Dynamic solar cell measurement techniques: New small signal measurement techniques

The knowledge of the solar cell dynamic behaviour is necessary to size solar array switches or to study the stability of regulators. Taking into account that real operating conditions of a solar array are difficult to reproduce during tests, the only way to determine electrical characteristics is to carry out theoretical and numerical simulations. As the fine modelling of a cell's behaviour is the basis for any solar generator, the solar cell model needs to be properly determined. The present paper describes in details the latest small signal techniques developed in our laboratory. The first part of the paper presents and justifies the solar cell dynamic model, which is used. Important electrical properties are pointed out. The second part deals with the experimental methods and set-ups. The first method uses a network analyser associated to an inductor less shunt, the second method uses a network analyser associated with its reflectometric kit and a special device which allows to make measurements with DC current. The third part describes some typical results obtained with these methods on different solar cells.