Challenges and Opportunities in Cell and Module I-V Testing

The most basic and important characterization of a solar cell is the power output. Within industry, the I-V test is perhaps the only detailed characterization that is uniformly performed on 100% of the product. At calibration laboratories, this is the basis for benchmarking R&D with efficiency records and the source of traceability for a ~100B US$ industry. This paper compares and contrasts methodologies used in calibration laboratories with production facilities. It will highlight opportunities to optimize the information available in production in order to best serve both the requirements of accurate nameplate ratings and provide relevant information for process control and continuous improvement of the crystalline silicon production. Specific topics will include minimizing uncertainties in reported values and advanced characterization of the parameters relevant to full device physics models for root-cause identification of process variation.