testing solar cells

[bcroe]

I used a regular 100W bulb, make sure the bulb and each cell is
in the same position for a meaningful current reading (make a jig up).

Agreed; that is part of the object of my test unit. I used a 100W spot light
to get most of the light heading the right direction. The dummy load was chosen
so that the cell would not quite reach Vmp; otherwise good and somewhat marginal
cells would all put out almost the same voltage (with a fixed load). Current was
around 75% of rating on a good cell. Bruce Roe

[Sunking]

Is it a must to test the solar cells under direct sun light or i can use artificial light as well ?

Direct sunlight. Solar panels are current sources, and current output is directly proportional to the amount of sunlight striking its surface. Artificial light can be used to test Voc, but useless to test current.

[FunGas]

I used a regular 100W bulb, make sure the bulb and each cell is in the same position for a meaningful current reading (make a jig up).

[elhifnawyplast]

testing solar cells

Is it a must to test the solar cells under direct sun light or i can use artificial light as well ?

[elhifnawyplast]

testing solar cells

Thanks bcroe for you offer but i am from Egypt and it will cost me too much to bay and ship your testing instrument,if you can send me the design and how to use i will be grateful.

[bcroe]

This is what I built to test 6" X 6" cells, works pretty well on 3 X 6 also. Puts a heavy load
on the cell and checks all 4 leads individually for a weak spot. This one for sale. Bruce Roe

[elhifnawyplast]

Thank you

Yes Sunking i have searched and i like to choose the best way to do it .
Thank you for your verry useful reply it was helpful.

[Sunking]

Did you try searching first? If you had you would of found this.

[elhifnawyplast]

It is important to test all the solar cells before constructing a solar panel,what type of tests should be preformed,and how