Determination of solar cell electrical parameters and resistances using color and white LED-based solar simulators with high amplitude pulse input voltages

Advances in LEDs allow construction of LED solar simulators for characterization of solar cells at moderate costs. Four single-color LED simulators and one multi-color LED simulators are constructed. High irradiance is obtained by employing high pulsing voltages to LEDs. Using the simulators electrical parameters and resistances of solar cell are made. Applying correction methods recommended in the IEC 891 Standard, results from the red and blue LED simulators and the Class AAA simulator are in good agreement.

► High irradiance close to 1000 Wm−2 of four single-color LED solar simulator and one red-green-blue simulator are constructed.
► High irradiance is achieved by pulsing LEDs with high input voltages, yielding more intense light outputs.
► Irradiance uniformity and temporal instability quality the five simulators as Class B.
► IV curves of a 12.5*12.5 cm2 X–Si solar cell, electrical parameters and resistances using these simulators are made.
► Low cost LED simulators operated under pulse operations giving fairly accurate results have been demonstrated.