Design of a low cost multi-module capacitive IV curve tracer for PV module mismatch characterisation

This paper presents a multi-module capacitive IV curve tracer, designed specifically for determining the effect of static mismatch on system performance. The device operates using 24-differential (simultaneous sampling) ADC's with a capacitive load. Improvements on the capacitive technique to further reduce the bulk capacitance and extend the measurement range are also presented. Further the paper presents results of measurements on two BTD310P6C-36 PV modules to demonstrate the IV curve tracer.