Reference Cells
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This photovoltaic reference cell is a radiometer used for measuring illumination levels when assessing the performance of photovoltaic devices. By quantifying the amount of light reaching a test device, it enables the light-to-electricity conversion performance of solar cells and modules to be measured and compared. r
Reference cells are most commonly used to set the intensity of a light source to a particular test condition (e.g. one-sun) for I-V measurements.
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Reference cells include a rugged enclosure, solar cell, temperature sensor, and protective window. Cell type, temperature sensor, and window material can be selected to meet your requirements.
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PV Measurements, Inc. can provide reference cells with or without calibration. When ordered with calibration, the customer receives calibration certificates citing traceability to NREL and NIST as well as I-V and spectral response data.
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Features of Most Common Configuration
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- May be used outside (not designed for continuous outdoor use) or with solar simulators r
- 2-cm by 2-cm square silicon solar cell r
- Close thermal contact between solar cell and enclosure r
- Temperature sensor r
- 4-wire contact to the solar cell r
- BK7 glass window r
- Broad-spectrum, low-reflectivity coating behind window and surrounding solar cell r
- Mounting hole pattern (62 mm X 62 mm) compatible with WPVS reference cell design
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Options
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- Quartz window or colorglass filter for customizing spectral response to resemble that of a particular test material such as amorphous silicon (instead of BK7 glass) r
- RTD temperature sensor or alternative thermocouple type r
- Cable termination using your preferred connector r
- Different size solar cell or aperture placed over solar cell r
- Customer-provided solar cell
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