Measurement techniques in the photovoltaic research are mainly focusing on optical and electrical characterisation of materials, structures, solar cells and modules.

Optical characterisation

Regarding the optical characterisation we are performing measurements of:

• reflectance
• transmitance
• absorptance
• total integrating scattering
• angular resolved scatering
• homogeneity of optical filters

Electrical characterisation

Regarding the electrical characterisation we are performing measurements of:

• spectral sensitivity
• quantum efficiency
• I-V characteristics (P_max, I_sc, V_oc, I_mpp, V_mpp, efficiency, G_sh, R_s, FF)
• temperature influences on solar cell and PV module performance parameters
• local conversion efficiency (LBIC - light beam induced current, EL - electroluminescence)

We gratefully acknowledge the traceability to the SI unit of irradiance via the ESTI laboratory within Directorate C – Energy, Transport and Climate at the European Commission's Joint Research Centre.