Electrical Characterization of Solar Cells

Abstract

Photovoltaic cells convert the energy of light emitted by the sun into electricity. A basic question is to judge how efficient this energy conversion process is for a given cell. Therefore, the performance of the solar cells must be characterized by electrical measurements. This chapter gives an introduction to a number of basic methods for the electrical characterization. The probably most fundamental technique is the measurement of current–voltage curves. Although the measurement itself is relatively simple, the conditions how measurements should be carried out are not as simple and will also be discussed here. Another important technique is the determination of the external or internal quantum efficiency. These methods provide information how efficient the conversion of light into electrical current is for photons of a specific wavelength. Spectrally resolved quantum efficiency measurements can therefore provide information on the contribution of different materials in the solar cell to the energy conversion process.