Design, Implementation, and Verification of a DC-Powered Solar Cell Test Bench

In this project, a DC-powered photovoltaic cell test bench is constructed for the ongoing JagSat-2 project at the University of South Alabama. The project utilizes DC power supplies to allow for stable and direct halogen light to be used inside a lab while also allowing for different lighting conditions to be tested. This project prioritizes cost-efficiency and modularity by utilizing off-the-shelf components that are easily available. Initial tests find that current, voltage, and temperature data are similar to that of sunlight, but the halogen bulbs heat up the solar cells over time. A fan is included and tested in this project as a simple means of mitigating heat build-up. A successful DC-powered setup is achieved with a final budget of less than 800 USD.