Voltage and current in a series connection of solar cells

Principle

The pupils should examine a connection in series of two solar cells by measuring the open circuit voltage, U_ges, and the short-circuit current,  I_ges.

Greater voltages can be reached by connecting solar cells in series.

In addition, the voltages at both solar cells, U₁ und U₂, will be measured. From this, and  U_ges, one can derive the relation for solar cells connected in in series:  U_ges = U₁ + U₂.

The currents at the individual solar cells which are connected in series is the same as the short-circuit current, I_ges: I_ges = I₁ = I₂.

Benefits

• Experiment is part of a complete solution set with a total of 26 experiments for Renewable Energy solar cells, wind power, water power
• Safe experimentation: the lamp is protected against touch, the housing is well ventilated with the aid of holes and is only slightly heated
• Doubled learning success: Electric circuit diagram on top, real components can be seen at the bottom

Tasks

What happens when you connect two solar cells in series?