2001 Solar Cell Analysis Data - Direct S...

Dave Hrynkiw
July 12, 2007
  Overview
  At Solarbotics, we've been getting quite a few questions regarding the "real-world" performance of our solarcells. Although we do have the official Panasonic Sunceram datasheets, it is written in a quite technical manner and does not include practical design data. With that in mind, we have generated the following - the first of three sets of data for use by the BEAM community. This first set of data is taken with direct-sunlight performance in mind. The second and third sets will be measured under halogen and incandescent lighting (stay tuned...).
  Data Acquisition Procedure
  Solarcell voltage across resistance values recorded on June 20 between 13:07 and 13:25. Solarcell capacitor charging values for capacitors between 1000uF and 4700uF recorded on June 22 Between 13:30 and 14:00.Solarcell capacitor charging values for capacitors between .047F and 1.0F recorded on June 25 between 13:25 and 14:10.Summer solstice on June 21, maximum sunlight at 13:37 (located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada).Testing apparatus consists of a basic stamp 2 for data logging and a ADC0831 chip for analog to digital conversion, 8 bit accuracy (0.02 volt resolution). When testing multiple resistive loads, relays were used to switch the load across the solarcell with a 200ms settle time. The basic stamp controlled sequencing and data logging by measuring the voltage across each switched load.When testing the charge rate of multiple capacitors, the capacitor was shorted by a relay for a period of five seconds, then released to charge by the solarcell. Voltage readings were taken between .2 and 5 seconds, depending on estimated total charge time. An 80% open voltage line is also indicated on the graphs.
 
  Charge Times sorted by Solar Cell
 
  • SC2422 charging CP.33F, 2xCP.33F in series, CP1F and 2xCP1F in series (GIF)

  • SC2433 charging CP.33F, 2xCP.33F in series, CP1F and CP1F in series (GIF)

  • SC3733 charging CP.33F, 2xCP.33F in series, CP1F and CP1F in series (GIF)

  • SC3766 charging CP1000uF, CP3300uF (actual and estimate), CP4700uF (actual and estimate) (GIF)

  • 10xSCPD charging CP1000uF, CP3300uF (actual and estimate), CP4700uF (actual and estimate) (GIF)

  • 10xSCPD charging CP.047F Tokin capacitor (GIF)

 
  Charge Times sorted by Capacitor
 
  • CP.33F charged by SC2422, SC2433 and SC3733 (GIF)

  • 2xCP.33F in series charged by SC2422, SC2433 and SC3733 (GIF)

  • CP1F charged by SC2422, SC2433 and SC3733 (GIF)

  • 2xCP1F charged by SC2422, SC2433 and SC3733 (GIF)

 
  Solar Cell output under Resistance
 
  • Voltage vs Resistance for SC2422, SC2433, SC3733, SC3766 and SCPDx10 (GIF)

  • Current vs Resistance for SC2422, SC2433, SC3733, SC3766 and SCPDx10 (GIF)

  • Power vs Resistance for SC2422, SC2433, SC3733, SC3766 and SCPDx10 (GIF)

 
  Complete Data Sheet Download
  For those of you who would rather have access to the complete data sheets and charts for the 2001 Solar Cell Analysis, we provide this information in the Microsoft Excel format.Solarcell Data Sheet A - 88KB
Solarcell Data Sheet B - 388KB
 
  Disclaimer:  
  Although the information is provided freely, we request that any reproduction or reference to the above data be included with proper accreditation to Solarbotics Ltd. Additionally, although we have performed these tests in good faith, we do not and cannot warrantee this data in any way.

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