Amity University Mumbai

Amity School of Applied Sciences

PHYSICS LAB EXPRIMENTS

SEMESTER-II

Experiment no: Date :

Division : Roll no :

Name : Course:

PHOTO VOLTAIC
SOLAR CELL
Aim:-To draw the I.V. Characteristics of a solar cell. (photo voltaic cell)

Theory:

Solar cell is a p-n junction. We know that a built-in voltage exists across a p-n junction,
but this voltage cannot deliver current in an external circuit. However, if light is shown on the
junction, there is current in the circuit. This effect is called the photovoltaic effect.

To understand the principal underlying the photovoltaic effect, let the junction be
illuminated. Under this condition, many excess electron-hole pairs are generated in the regions
on either side of the junction via absorption of photons. As the field within the junction is from
n-side to p-side, the excess minority carriers thus generated diffuse to the junction where they are
carried across and become majority carriers – the holes generated diffuse to the junction where
they are carried across and become majority carrier-the holes generated on n-side move toward
p-side. If the junction is now open circuited the majority carrier excess charge will build on both
sides of the junction (positive charge on p-side and negative charge on n-side) tending to lower
the built-in-voltage from φ0 to some value ( φ0- V0 ) as shown in figure. This change in built-
in voltage i.e. V0 appears as a measurable P.D. across the junction, which thereby as if a source
of voltage V0 .

If the external circuit is closed the current will therefore floe therein. This current will
continue so long as there is diffusion of excess electrons from n-side and of excess holes from p-
side. This is turn means that the current will flow so long as the semiconductor regions are
illuminated. This explains how the incident light sets up the current flow in the external circuit.

Diagram:-

PROCEDURE:-

1. Keep the solar cell in sunlight for 15 to 20 minutes so that it gets activated.
2. Complete the circuit connections as shown in the figure (2) below. Then place the light
source ‘S’ at a distance of 15 cm from solar cell.
3. Now find out the open circuit voltage Voc by opening the connecting wire joining –ve of
mill-ammeter to the load ( i.e. connecting +ve of cell to the +ve of voltmeter and –ve of
cell to the –ve of voltmeter)
4. Once again complete the circuit connections as shown in fig -2
5. Bring load selector switch at S.C. position and note the reading in the ampere meter
under short circuit condition (if meter shows out of scale then decrease the light
intensity). This maximum current is called short circuit current Isc.
6. Now introduce the load resistance in the circuit (start from low value of resistance) and
note down the current and volts reading.
7. Repeat the same with different values of load resistances.
8. Draw a graph between V and I (fig.3).
 9. Repeat the experiment with other intensities placing the light source at different
positions.

PRECAUTIONS:-

1. See that the light from the source falls vertically on the solar cell.
2. Make sure that connections are made properly and ensure good contact.
3. Solar cell should not be short circuited for longer duration while taking down the reading
Isc otherwise the cell will be damaged permanently. (Pointer knob should not be kept on
S.C. position point while instrument is not in use).

Diagram:- Graph:-

FIG-2 FIG-3
Observation table:-

1) Source at …. cm, Voc = mV

RESISTANCE VOLTAGE CURRENT

2) Source at …. cm, Voc = mV

RESISTANCE VOLTAGE CURRENT

 PHOTO VOLTAIC
SOLAR CELL

Name:_________________________ Date:________________

Roll No.:_______________

Amity University Mumbai Remark

Physics practical
P 2 signature
(Preparedness)
Date
A 2
(Attentiveness)

P 2
(Performance)
Date Signature of the faculty
D 2
(Documentation)

P 2
(Punctuality)

Total 10