Simulating Solar Cells

This resource note discusses how using a power supply instead of a solar cell provides a controlled, repeatable output for testing solar inverters. The application note also goes over how to use an EA-PSB 10000 series bidirectional power supply to simulate solar cells.

Materials Used for Solar Cells

Solar Cell Circuit Model

PSB Series Bi-Directional DC Power Supplies

Setting Up a PSB Supply

Testing Solar Inverters

Simulating a Solar Array

Application Note Overview

As the effects of climate change intensify, carbon-neutral, renewable energy sources become more important. Since solar cells convert sunlight to electrical energy with low efficiencies under 50%, the solar cell generation system needs to be as efficient as possible. Testing the ability of the inverter to maximize the output of the solar cell is the critical performance requirement for the inverter.

This resource discusses how using a power supply instead of a solar cell provides a controlled, repeatable output for testing solar inverters. The application note also goes over how to use an EA-PSB 10000 series bidirectional power supply to simulate solar cells.