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Measuring open-circuit voltage (Voc) versus light intensity (Suns) in solar cells permits the access of cell performance without the series resistance effect. This article shows the implementation of a Suns–Voc measurement system that consists of an off-the-shelf photograph flash lamp, a digital oscilloscope, and a specifically designed photodetector board with three silicon photodiodes that covers a light intensity measurement range from 10−5 to 102 suns. The whole system is controlled via universal serial bus (USB) ports from a personal computer allowing the measurement of cell characteristics (pseudo-dark and pseudo-light current density–voltage curves, as well as the pseudo fill factor and pseudo efficiency) automatically in a very short time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes the design, fabrication, simulation, and experimental results of an improved miniaturized two-axis sun sensor for industrial applications, created by adapting a technology used previously in satellite applications. The sensor for each axis is composed of six photodiodes integrated in a crystalline-silicon substrate and a layer of cover glass, which is used to protect the silicon and to hold the windows. The high precision is obtained by the subdivision of the field of view, which is \pm 60^\circ, with a resolution of 0.1^\circ. Each region is controlled by an independent high-precision solar sensor. The sensor can be used for sun-tracking applications in a photovoltaic system, heliostat concentration plants, and lighting applications. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

For some industrial applications, an accurate estimation of a light source position is needed. That is the case for a heliostat, a device that projects sunlight onto a focus hundreds of meters away from its aiming point. In this paper, we present a novel sensor design for generating an alignment error signal. Included is a detailed study of its response, which shows that certain geometrical design parameters are necessary to achieve desired accuracy. This sensor has been implemented using micro- electromechanical system techniques to achieve a robust structure at low cost and it has been successfully applied to sun-tracking systems. Experimental results obtained in field tests are included. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents information on a study which described a novel concept of photovoltaic mini array assembly based on a flip-chip Multichip Module technology. Insight on substrate wafer fabrication; Methodology of the study; Results and discussion on the study; Conclusions.