Electrical · Power Generation & Conversion
Solar Panel Characterization & Testing
Intermediate 4 weeks 30-40 hours
Test solar panel I-V curves under different light and temperature conditions. Create performance model. Compare to datasheet. Calculate efficiency.
Major
Electrical
Focus area
Power Generation & Conversion
Total hours
30-40 hours
What you'll need
- 50W 12V monocrystalline solar panel
- DC electronic load module constant current tester
- DC voltage current power meter module
- DS18B20 waterproof digital temperature sensor probe
- Arduino Uno R3 board with SD card data logging shield
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Steps
- Connect the solar panel to the electronic load and power meter, with the temperature probe on the panel back.
- Sweep the load from open circuit to short circuit and record voltage and current at each point.
- Repeat the sweep in full sun, partial shade, and at different panel temperatures.
- Plot the I-V and power curves and find the maximum power point for each condition.
- Calculate efficiency and compare your results to the datasheet.
- Document the test setup and curves for your portfolio.
What to photograph for your portfolio
- I-V curves
- light intensity test setup
- performance graphs
- thermal analysis
- technical datasheet
Resume bullet starters
Copy one, then swap in your own numbers.
Designed and built a solar panel characterization & testing using PV testing, data collection, curve fitting
Applied performance modeling to implement, test, and validate the system end-to-end
Skills you'll show off
PV testingdata collectioncurve fittingperformance modeling