Electrical Characterization of Photovoltaic Materials and Solar Cells

I‑V, C‑V, C-f, DLCP, Resistivity, and Hall Voltage Measurements

The increasing demand for clean energy and the largely untapped potential of the sun as an energy source is making solar energy conversion technology increasingly important. As a result, the demand for solar cells, which convert sunlight directly into electricity, is growing. Solar or photovoltaic (PV) cells are made up of semiconductor materials that absorb photons from sunlight and then release electrons, causing an electric current to flow when the cell is connected to a load. A variety of measurements are used to characterize a solar cell’s performance, including its output and its efficiency. This electrical characterization is performed as part of research and development of photovoltaic cells and materials, as well as during the manufacturing process.