DIY Solar Cells - Testing And Productivity

Solar Cell Productivity

Regardless of how large solar cells are they produce around 0.5 volts .

But keep in mind that size does affect the current output of the cell.A solar cell with a bigger surface will produce more electrical current than one with a smaller surface.

You need to be aware of this when designing your solar panel for specific purposes.

If a large amperage is needed,you must go for solar cells with a high current output,or large ones.

Low current solar cells can be enough for low power needs.

Currently large surface solar cells are the most used,but keep in mind that the more current a cell produces,the higher the cost will be.

You also need to be aware of your surrounding climate when choosing between cell output.High current solar cells can charge batteries faster in less than ideal weather conditions,such as cloudy areas,during the winter when sunlight is very scarce daily.High current solar cells are also recommended when the drain on your batteries will be high and batteries will require a speedy and frequent recharge.

Solar Cell Watt Ratings

Just about all solar cells have a current rating as well as voltage rating provided,or short circuit and open circuit current rankings.To recognize the watt rating in the cell we have to multiply the current by the voltage,when you've got a cell with a 4 amp current and 0.5 voltage,that cell is graded as being a 2 watt cell.

Presently solar cells can range from milliamps up to the 6 amp output,but for a efficient task a 1-4 amp cell is sufficient.

Solar Cells involving 2 and 3 amps are often the most frequent and also available at great costs.

Testing Solar Cells

Solar Cell producers examine their solar cells in Air Mass conditions,or AM1 .

Air Mass determines the amount of air light photons need to travel just before they get to the earth on the ocean level.

Air Mass 1 comes about when sunlight is directly overhead at sea level as well as the energy it provides towards the solar cell is approximately 1 KW per square meter. 

How To Test Your Solar Cells

Each and every cell in your diy solar panel needs to be tested,if you have OF-SPEC solar cells then you need to group them in categories from low to high outputs.

If you make the mistake to include a low output solar cell into a high output solar panel,that cell will take down all the other cells to its level,and thus rob them of energy.

To examine your cells you need a very clear day,the best time being in the summer in the maximum point in the solstice when the weather is the nearest to AM1.

Alternatively you can test solar cells at any time during the day,but keep in mind that they will not show their full potential.