Experiment No.

1
Objective:

To show the effect of variation of tilt angle on PV module power.

Observation:

Tables for evaluating effect of tilt: Each set is for the different positions of pot-meter but during
one. set its position willbe fixed. Radiationon module willbe calculated by taking an average of
the radiations recorded at three different locations on the module (viz. upper end, middle end,
lower end).

Observation Tables:

Table 4.1

Set 1
Serial No. Tilt (degree) Radiation (W/m2) V(Volt) I(ampere) P (W)
1 487.2 18.7 0.08 L.496

2 487.2 18.6 0.08 1.488

3 487.2 18.4 0.08 1472

4 J5 487.2 18.J 0.08 1.448

20 487.2 17.8 0.08 1.424

6 25 487.2 15.8 0.07 L106

30 487.2 10.4 0.04 0.416

53
Set 2

Serial No. Tilt (degree) Radiation(W/m2)V(Volt) I(ampere) P (W)

0 236.8 17.5 0.07 1.225
2 236.8 17.3 0.07 1.211

3 236.8 17.2 0.07 1.204

4 236.8 16.8 0.07 1.176
al 20 1.092
236.8 16.2 0.07
6 25 236.8 13.1 0.05 0.655

Set 3
Serial No. Tilt (degree) Radiation (W/m2) V(Volt) I(ampere) P (W)
0 303.2 17.8 0.07 1.246
2 303.2 17.7 0.07 1.239
3 10 303.2 17.6 0.07 1.232
4 303.2 17.2 0.07 1.204
20 303.2 16.3 0.07 1.141
6 25 303.2 13.8 0.06 0.328

Set 4
Serial No. Tilt (degree) Radiation (W/m2) V(Volt) I(ampere) P (W)
364.67 18.2 0.08 1,456
2 364.67 18.1 0.08 1.448
3 10 364.67 17.8 0.08 J.424
364.67 17.7 0.08 1.416
5 20 364.67 17.6 0.07 1.232
6 25 364.67 15.3 0.06 0.918

54
Set 5
Serial No. Tilt (degree) Radiation (W/m2) V(Volt) I(ampere) P (W)
1 426.4 18.4 0.08 1.472

2 426.4 18.3 0.08 1.464

3 10 426.4 18.2 0.08 1.456

4 15 426.4 18.1 0.08 1.448

20 426.4 17.6 0.07 1.232

6 25 426.4 15.7 0.06 0.942

Results:

we have drawn the graph between tilt (as X-axis) and Radiation and power (on Left and right y
axis). Relation between radiation and power olp willbe linear.

1.6

1.4

1.2

W 0.8

R 0.6

0.4

0.2
..ABRRE

5 10 15 20 25 30

Tilt Angle

-E=487.2 -E=236.8 -E=303.2-E=364.67 1E-426.4

Graph 4.1 Power Vs Tilt angle at different Radiation

55
Discussion

Solar radiation data is usually measured in the form of direct and diffuse radiation on a
horizontal surface at the latitude of interest. SPV modules are tilted so that they capture the
maximum radiation and the problem of calculating solar radiation on a tilted surface is in
determining the relative amount of beam and diffuse radiation contained in the measured
horizontalglobal radiation. Since the SPV modules are positioned at an angle to the
horizontal, it is necessary to calculate the optimum tilt angle which maximizes the amount of
collected energy. Tilt angle should be equal to latitude angle for collection of maximum
radiation.

From our experiment of tilt angle it can be concluded that with the increase of slope angle of
SPV Modules power decreases. When the angle decreases from perpendicular to about 20° the
power decreases abruptly from there with the further decrease of the angle.
PV arrays work best when the sun's rays shine perpendicular to the cell. PV system that is
designed to perform best in winter array should be tiltedat an angle of equal to latitude +15°. If
the array is designed to perform best in summer then the array needs to be tilted at an angle of
equal to latitude -15". In this way the array surface becomes perpendicular of the sun's ray.
{Ha our case latitude is zero degree as radiation falls normally on the horizontal)

Precautions:

1. Readings for one set should be taken within 1-2 minules (for indoor exp.) otherwise
temperature of the module may vary as radiation source used is halogen lamp.
2. Observalions for til angle should be taken as correct as possible.
3. Always take radiation reading after module current and voltage readings.
4. Connection should be tight.

". 56
 Experiment 2
Objective: To demonstrate the effect of shading on module output power.
Observations:

Table 2.1: For evaluating the effect of shading on cells

S. No No. of shaded cell V P

0 18.6 0.08 J488

2 6.26 0.043 0.269
3 2 2.4 -0.03 0.072
4 3 1.9 0.025 0.047

4 1.6 0.022 0.035

6. 8 0.5
7. 36

Results:

Demonstrate the power output of module with one cell shaded.

Demonstrate the power output of module with multiple cells shaded.
1.6
1.4

1.2
POwer
1

0.8
0.6
0.4
0.2
0

10 15 20 25 30 35 40

No. Of Cells Shaded

Graph 4.2 Power Vs No. of shaded Cell

57
Discussion

From the experiment of shading of PV solar panel, itcan be concluded that with slight shading of
solar panel the performances characteristic of the panel reduces greatly, as can be infer from the
graph.

Shading can have a huge impact on the performance of your solar photovoltaic panels.. This is
because solar photovoltaic panels actually consist of a number of solar photovoltaic cells that are
wired together into a series circuit. This means that when the power output of a singlécell is
Significantly reduced, the power output for the whole series is reduced to the level of current
passing through the weakest cell. Therefore, a small amount of shading can significantly reduce
the performance of your entire solar photovoltaic panels system.

Another problem that can occur in solar photovoltaic panels due to partial shading is that,
because one cell(or group of cells) is generating a significantly smaller amount of power than
the rest of the cells in the series, the weaker cellcan suffer from thermal stress (i.e. overheating)
and thereby reduce the power output of the solar photovoltaic panel even further.
Precautions:

Shading of cells should be exactly on that cell only.

Connections should be tight

Significance:

This experiment is usetul to design SPV plant for shade less arrays

58
 Experiment No.
Objective:

Tudeióistraië iiie i-V äid P-V ciiaracieristics of differeint ivpés of solar ceils with varying
spectrum, radiation and temperature level.

Theory:
and P-V
Any solar cell is characterized by its |-V and P-V characteristics. Typical |-V
characteristic curves of solar cellat a particular solar insolation and temperature are shown
in Fig. 1.1(a) and 1.1(b) respectively.

2,500
Current
(A)
.2,000

1,500

1,000

0.500

0,000
0 0,05 0,1 0,15 0,2 0.25 0,3 0,35 0,4. 0,45 0,5 0,55 0,6

Voltage ()

Fig-1.1(a). FV characteristic of solar ce!!

1,200

1,000

30,800
O 0.600
0400

0,200
0,000
0 0,05 0,1 0,15 0,2 0.25 0,3 0,35 0,4 0,45 0,5 0,55 0,6

Voltage ()
Fig. 1.1(b), P-V characteristic of solar cell
In -V curve, maximum current at zero voltage is the short circuit current (lsc) which can be
measured by shorting the PV module terminals. Maximum voltage at zero current is the
open circuit voltage (Voc). In P-V curve the maximum power is achieved only at a single point
which is called MPP (maximum power point) and the voltage and current corresponding to
this point are referred as Vmp and Imp- On increasing the temperature, Voc of module
decreases as shown in Fig. 1.2, while lsc remains the same which in turn reduces the power.
For most.crystalline silicon solar cells modules the reduction is about 0.50%/'C.

4.0

35

3.0

2.5
52.0 45°C

1.0
T=60°c 25°C
0.5

0.0
0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7

Voltag ()

Fig. 1.2. Variation in Voe with change in temperature

On changing the solar insolation, lc of the module increases while the Voc increases very
slightly as shown in Fig. 1.3.

1000 W/m2
in
Current
A

600 W/m2

200 Wim2

0,1 0,2 0,3 0,4 0,5

Voltage inV
 Fig. 1.3. Variation in -Vcharacterlstic with insolatlon

Fill factor:

The Fill Factor (FF) is essentially a measure of quality of the solar celI. It is the ratio of the
actual achievable maximum power to the theoretical maximum power (Pi) that would be
achieved with open circuit voltage and short circuit current together. FF can also be
interpreted graphically as the ratio of the rectangular areas depicted in Fig.1.4. Alarger fill
factor is desirable, and corresponds to an |-V sweep that is more square-like. Typical fill
factors range from 0.5 to 0.82. Fill factor is also often represented as a percentage.

P,
PMAX

V
VMP Voç

Fig. 1.4. Graphical interpretation of the Fillfactor (FF)

Experimental set-up:

There isa solar cell which is connected to potentiometer, ammeter and voltmeter. Potential
meter in this circuit works as a variable load which is connected to the module directly so it
forces to change the current and voltage of the solar cell as it is rotated.
 ecosens| 5

Pot meter

Fig.1.5 Experimental set-up

Observations:

Table for |-V and P-V characteristics of mono-crystalline solar cell:

Set- 1
S.No. Radiation Temperature V P
Voc

3
4

6 0 Isc

Set- 2
S.No. Radiation Temperature V P
1 Voc -
2
3
4
5
6
Isc

O 2013 Ecosense Sustainable Solutions Pvt. Ltd.

These sets are for different radiation and temperature values but in the one set these values
of radiation and temperature will be constant. These sets of experiment will be done by
different
using one type of light source (say halogen lamp). Similar. sets may be made for
type of lamp (say metal halide lamp).

Results:

1. Draw the l-V curves of all the sets for a single type of solar cell on a single graph and
show the characteristics at different radiation and temperatures level for different
types of lamps.
2. Draw the P-V curves of all sets for a single type of solar cell on a single graph and
show the characteristics at different radiation and temperatures ievei for different
types of lamps.
3. Draw similar types of graphs for each type of solar cell using different light sources.
Discussions:

Study of different solar cell modules let us understand the various appliçability of a
particular solar cells in different types of radiation sources. It also helps us understand its
probable efficiency, its suitability and effectiveness in solving our given problem.
There is only one point on the characteristics where maximum electrical power is obtained
at the given illumination level. Operating at any other point than the maximum power point
willmean that the cellwill produce less electrical power and more thermal power. These
points are also found using the different characteristics.

Precautions:

1. Make sure that the readings are obtained at the point when there is minimum
fluctuation.
2. Temperature is to be necessarily kept constant during the experiment.
3. Allconnections should be tight and proper.
 Experiment No. 4
Objective:
Tu ueionsiuaie ie i-V àid P-V chàràcier istics of differeit iyps of 5olar ceils witth varying
spectrum, radiation and temperature level.

Theory:
Any solar cell is characterized by its |-V and P-V characteristics. Typical |-V and P-V
characteristic curves of solar cellat a particular solar insolation and temperature are shown

in Fig. 1.1(a) and 1.1(b) respectively.

2,500
(A)
Current
2,000

1,500

1,000

0,500

0,000
0 0,05 0,1 0,15 0,2 0.25 0,3 0,35 0,4 0,45 0,5 0,55 0,6

Voltage (V)

Fig. 1.1(a). -V characteristic of solar cel!

1,200
(W)1,000
Power
0,800

0,600

2 0,400
0,200

0,000
0 0,05 0,1 0,15 0,2 0,25 0,3 0,35 0,4 0,45 0,5 0,55 0,6

Voltage (\M
Fig. 1.1(b). P-V characteristic of solar cell
 which can be
In -Vcurve, maximum current at zero voltage is the short circçit current (c)
measured by shorting the PV module terminals. Maximum voltage at zero current is the
point
open circuit voltage (Voc). In P-V curve the maximum power is achieved only at a single
corresponding to
which is called MPP (maximum power point) and the voltage and current
of module
this point are referred as Vmp and Imp- On increasing the temperature, Voc
reduces the power.
decreases as shown in Fig. 1.2, while lec remains the same which in turn
0.50%/°C.
For most crystalline silicon solar cells modules the reduction is about

40

35

3.0

2.5 4
45°C
52.0
O 15
1.0
25°C
T= 60°c
0.5

0.0
0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7
0.1
Voltage (V)

Fig. 1.2. Variation in Voc With change in temperature

On changing the solar insolation, lsc of the module increases while the Voe increases very
slightly as shown'in Fig. 1.3.

1000 W/m²
inA
Curent

600 Wm2

200 Wim2

0,1 0,2 0,3 0,4 0,5

Voltage in V
 Fig. 1.3. Variation in |-V characteristic with insolation

Fill factor:

The FillFactor (FF) is essentially ameasure of quality of the solar cell. It is the ratio of the
actual achievable maximum power to the theoretical maximum power (Pr) that would be
achieved with open circuit voltage and short circuit current together. FF can also be
interpreted graphically as the ratio of the rectangular areas depicted in Fig.1.4. Alarger fill
factor is desirable, and correspondsto an I-V sweep that is more seuare-like. Typical fill
factors range from 0.5 to 0.82. Fill factor is also often represented as a percentage.

P
Isc
FF =
P PMAX

VMpVoc

Fig. 1.4.Gråphical interpretation of the Fillfactor (FF)

Experimental set-up:

There is asolar cellwhich is connected to potentiometer, ammeter and voltmeter. Potential

meter in this circuit works as a variable load which is connected to the module directly so it
forces to change the current and voltage of the solar cell as it is rotated.
 ecosense| 6

These sets are for different radiation and temperature values but in the one set these values of
radiation and temperature will be constant. These sets of experiment will be done by using one
type of light source (say halogen lamp). Similar sets will be made for different type of lamp (say
metal halide lamp),

Table for -V and P-V characteristics of poly-crystalline solar cell:

Set- 1
S.No. Radiation Temperature V P

Voc
2
3
4
5
6 0 Isc

Set- 2
S.No. Radiation Temperature
1 Voc
2
3
4
5
6 Isc

These sets are for different radiation and temperature values but in the one set these values of
radiation and temperature will be constant. These sets of experiment will be done by using one
type of light source (say halogen lamp). Similar sets will be made for different type of lamp (say
metal halide lamp).

O 2013 Ecosense Sustainable Solutions Pvt. Ltd.

 Pouy/AMe
V P
0.6 0.4
0.35
0.5
0.3
0.4 0.25

0.3 0.2
0.15
0.2
0.1
0.1 0.05

0.54 0.541 0.486 0.374 0.19

0.01 0.3 0.93 1.92 1.94

V P
20 1.4
1.2
15
1

0.8
10
0.6
0.4
5
0.2

0.104 0.123 14.7 17.3 15.4 12.2 11.4

0.054 0.078 0.1

V P
16 0.7

14 0.6
12 0.5
10 0.4

0.3
6
0.2
4
0.1
2

0.045 0.064 0.068 0.072 0.073 13.5 13.2 6.1 3.6 0.8
These sets are for different radiation and temperature values but in the one set these values
of radiation and temperature will be constant. Thesesets of experiment will be done by
different
using one type of light source. (say halogen lamp). Similar sets may be made for
type of lamp (say metal halide lamp).

Results:

solar cell on a single graph and

1. Draw the l-V. curves of all the sets for a single type of
temperatures level for different
show the characteristics at different radiation and
types of lamps.
type of solar cell on a single graph and
2. Draw the P-V curves of allsets for a single
temperatures levet for different
show the characteristics at different radiation and
types of lamps.
cell using different light sources.
3. Draw similar types of graphs for each type of solar

Discussions:
applicability of a
Study of different solar cell modules let us understand the various
us understand its
particular solar cells in different types of radiation sources. It also helps
problem.
probable efficiency, its suitability and effectiveness in solving our given
electrical power is obtained
There is only one point on the characteristics where maximum
maximum power point
at the given illumination level. Operating at any other point than the
These
will mean that the cell willproduce less electrical power and more thermal power.
points are also found using the different characteristics.

Precautions:

1. Make sure that the readings are obtained at the point when there is minimum
fluctuation.
2.. Temperature is to be necessarily kept constant during the experiment.
3. All connections should be tight and proper.
 Experiment No. 6
Objective:

Tuueimoistraie the i-V äind P- chaiàcieristicý of differeiit types of solar ceis with varyirg
spectrum, radiation and temperature level.

Theory:

Any solar cell is characterized by its 1-V and P-V characteristics. Typical |-V and P-V
characteristic curves of solar cellat a particular solar insolation and temperature are shown

in Fig. 1.1(a) and 1.1(b) respectively.

2,500
Current
(A)
2,000
****.
1,500

1,000

0,500

-0,000
02 0.25 0,3 0,35 0,4 0,45 0,5 0,55 0,6
0 0,05. 0,1 0,15

Voltage ()

Fig. 1.1(a). -V characteristic of solar cel!

1.200

(W)
Power
1,000

3 0800
0,600
0,400

0,200

0,000
0 0,05 0,1 0,15 0,2 0,25 0,3 0,35 0,4 0,45 0,5 0,55 0,6

Voltage (V)
Fig. 1.1(b). P-V characteristic of solar cell
In 4V curve, maximum current at zero voltage is the short circuit current () which can be
measured by shorting the PV module terminals. Maximum voltage at zero current is the
open circuit voltage (Voc). In P-V curve the maximum power is achieved only at a single point
corresponding to
which is called MPP (maximum power point) and the voltage and current
of module
this point are referred as Vmn and Imn On increasing the temperature, Voc
reduces the power.
decreases as shown in Fig. 1.2, while ler remains the same which in turn
0.50%/°C.
For most crystalline silicon solar cells modules the reduction is about

4.0

35

3.0

2.5
45°C
2.0

315
1.0 25°C
T=60°c
0.5

0.0
0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7
0.1 0.2 0.3
Voltage (V)

Fig. 1.2. Variation in Voc With change in temperature

Voe increases very

On changing the solar insolation, Isc of the module increases while the
slightly as shown in Fig. 1.3.

1000 Wim2
A
in
Current

600 W/m2

200 Wm2

0,1 0,2 0,3 0,4 0,5

Voltage in V
 Fig. 1.3. Variation in (-V characteristic with insolation

Fill factor:

of the
The Fill Factor (FF) is essentially a measure of quality of the solar cell. It is the ratio
that would be
actual achievable maximum power to the theoretical maximum power (Pr)
FF can also be
achieved with open circuit voltage and short circuit current together.
Fig.1.4. Alarger fill
interpreted graphically as the ratio of the rectangular areas depicted in
is more square-like. Typical fill
facter is desirable, and corresponds to an |-V sweep that
percentage.
factors range from 0.5 to 0.82. Fill factor is also often represented as a

Isc
P
FE=MAYMo IMP
P, PMAX

VMp Voc

Fig. 1.4:Graphical interpretation of the Fill factor (FF)

Experimentalset-up:
There is a solar cell which is connected to potentiometer, ammeter and voltmeter. Potential
meter in this circuit works as a variable load which is connected to the module directly so it

forces to change the current and voltage of the solar cell as it is rotated.
 ecosens| 7

Table for |-V and P-V characteristics of CIGS solar cell:

Set- 1
S.No. Radiation P
Temperature
1 Voc 0

2
3

5
Isc
6

Set- 2
Radiation Temperature V
S.No.
Voc

2
3
1

5
6
Isc 1
values but in the one set these values of
These sets are for different radiation and temperature
experiment will be done by using one
radiation and temperature will be constant. These sets of
different type of lamp (say
type of light source (say halogen lamp). Similar sets will be made for
metal halide lamp).

Results:

Drawthe I-V curves of all the sets for a single type of solar cell on a
single graph and
1.
different types
show the characteristics at different radiation and temperatures level for
of lamps.
single graph and show
2.. Draw the P-V curves of all sets for a single type of solar cell on a
different types of
the characteristics at different radiation and temperatures level for
lamps.
different light sources.
3. Draw similar types of graphs for each type of solar cell using

© 2013 Ecosense Sustainable Solutions Pvt. Ltd.

 V P
0.7 0.12

0.6 0.1

0.5
0.08
0.4
0.06
0.3
0.04
0.2

0.02
0.1

0.59 0.585 0.554

0.01 0.02 0.04 0.2 2.1 0.6 0.593

P
0.45
0.7
0.4

A
0.6
0.35
0.5 0.3

0.4 0.25
P
0.2
0.3
0.15
0.2 0.1

0.1 0.05

0.01 0.44 1.89 2.2 0.6 0.559 0.532 0.478 0.216

0.15

Cias

V P
0.7 0.45
0.4
0.6
0.35
0.5
0.3
0.4 0.25

0.3 0.2
0.15
0.2
0.1
0.1 0.05
0
0.01 0.2 0.82 1.5 1.9 0.582 0.583 0.542 0.418 0.279 0
These sets are for different radiation and temperature values but in the óne set these values
of radiation and temperature will be constant. These sets of experiment will be done by
using one type of light source (say halogen lamp). Similar sets may be made for different
type of lamp (say metal halide lamp).

Results:

1. Draw the |-V curves of all the sets for a single type of solar cell on a single graph and
show the characteristics at different radiation and temperatures level for different
types of lamps.
2. Draw the P-V curves of all sets for a single type of solar cell on a single graph and
show the characteristics at different radiation and temperatures levei for different
types of lamps.
3. Draw similar types of graphs for each type of solar cell using different light sources.

Discussions:
Study of different solar cell modules let us understand the various applicability of a
particular solar cells in different types of radiation sources. It also helps us understand its
probable efficiency, its suitability and effectiveness in solving our given problem.
There is only one point on the characteristics where maximum electrical power is obtained
at the given illumination level. Operating at any other point than the maximum power point
will mean that the cell will produce less electrical power and more thermal power. These
points are also found using the different characteristics.

Precautions:

1. Make sure that th readings are obtained at the point when there is minimum
fluctuation.
2. Temperature is to be necessarily kept constant during the experiment.
3. All connections should be tight and proper.