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Automatic generation and analysis of solar cell IV curves

Patent ·
OSTI ID:1134057

A photovoltaic system includes multiple strings of solar panels and a device presenting a DC load to the strings of solar panels. Output currents of the strings of solar panels may be sensed and provided to a computer that generates current-voltage (IV) curves of the strings of solar panels. Output voltages of the string of solar panels may be sensed at the string or at the device presenting the DC load. The DC load may be varied. Output currents of the strings of solar panels responsive to the variation of the DC load are sensed to generate IV curves of the strings of solar panels. IV curves may be compared and analyzed to evaluate performance of and detect problems with a string of solar panels.

Research Organization:
SunPower Corporation, San Jose, CA (USA)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
Assignee:
SunPower Corporation (San Jose, CA)
Patent Number(s):
8,744,791
Application Number:
13/053,770
OSTI ID:
1134057
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

References (2)

Measured Performance of Building Integrated Photovoltaic Panels* journal March 2001
Measured Performance of Building Integrated Photovoltaic Panels—Round 2 journal October 2004