I want to measure the efficiency of my CIS (copper, indium & sulfide) thin film solar cell. I don't have solar simulator to measure it. I have keithley 2400 I-V measurement device. So, anyone can suggest me how is it possible to measure the efficiency through this device? Or what is the possible thing to measure by that device?
Well the Kethley is fine to acquire the IV curve, then only other thing you need is a light source, ideally one that can illuminate the whole cell homogeneously. Since you won't have a calibrated 1-sun equivalent you won't be able to measure efficiencies that are definitely correct, but you can measure relative efficiencies, i.e. which device is best, and if you have a reference Si cell whose efficiency is known you can use that as a standard to estimate the efficiency of your cell. I emphasise "estimate" because not only the intensity but also spectral shape of your light source will differ from 1 sun, and that affects cells of different materials in different ways.
Kethley is low current measuring device. You require a darkroom with walls screened from electromagnetic fields. A standard CIS solar cell to compare with your results under the same environment. You also need a lamp that can give 100mA/m2. Thanks
I agree with Manuel; the KKeithley is fine (we have used it for certified measurements), the tricky part will be your light source and its callibration. I would focus on that part, or use the facilities of nearby institutions that have a solar simmulator (i believe QEERi may have and the QWE of TAMUQ as well)
Thanks a lot Jorge for your valuable information. We tried to contact with TAMUQ, but they didn't reply. QEERI doesn't have any. We planned to purchase one and got some quotations. Hopefully by next year we will have our own solar simulator.
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