Low-cost, high flexibility I–V curve tracer for photovoltaic modules

This work presents the design, construction and test of an in-door low cost, high flexibility I–V curve tracer for photovoltaic modules. The tracer is connected to a Xenon lamp based flashing solar simulator. The designed tracer is able to deal with the very fast changing irradiation conditions and its control software offers the flexibility to automatically adapt to the different irradiation conditions set by the flashing solar simulator. Simulation and experimental tests have been carried out, in order to verify the behaviour and performance of the designed I–V curve tracer.