Variable-Characteristic Reference Solar Cells by Computer Synthesis

In this paper we proposes a reference cell with variable spectral response characteristics to be used for measurement of various rypes of solar cells, and describe the design and experimental manufacturing of such a reference cell. The reference cell consists of a c-Si cell, a filter wheel mounted with 15 sharp cut-off filters, and a computer. In this system, characteristic synthesis of output light signals through each filter is done rapidly by the computer, thus realizing a cell having arbitrary characteristics. The composite wavelength ranges from 320 nm to 850 nm with a minimum control width of 40 nm. This system can function as 5 reference cells simultaneously, and has a continuous display with the response rate of once per second. The accuracy of measurement was within ±2%, which proves the practicality of the system.