Comparison of Current-Voltage Characteristics of Monocrystalline, Polycrystalline and Polymer Photovoltaic Cells

The standard method of comparing different types of solar cells involves the measurement of current vs voltage (I-V) characteristics of the device. By using a variable resistor, one can ramp the current through the device and measure the corresponding voltage between the region defined by the open circuit voltage (Voc) and the short circuit current Jsc. Between these extremes, is the peak power, defined as an elbow in the I-V curve. We perform these measurements on monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and polymer-based commercial solar cells under controlled conditions of temperature and radiation intensity, and compare the results both qualitatively and quantitatively. We develop procedures that will be integrated into solar energy measurements for an upcoming Introduction to Renewable Course.