IV-3 - Calibration, Testing and Monitoring of Space Solar Cells

Abstract

This chapter discusses the calibration, testing and monitoring of space solar cells. Standard solar cells are used to set the intensity of solar simulators to standard illumination conditions in order to electrically characterize solar cells with similar spectral response. Space calibration methods of solar cells can be extraterrestrial when performed outside the atmosphere, or synthetic if they are carried out on the ground using natural sunlight or simulated indoor illumination. To prevent continuous handling operations of the expensive extraterrestrial/synthetic cells, the secondary working standard solar cells are calibrated for routine electrical performance testing in industry and testing laboratories. This chapter discusses extraterrestrial methods such as high altitude balloon, high altitude aircraft, and space methods for calibration of space solar cells. The chapter also discusses synthetic methods such as global sunlight, direct sunlight, solar simulator, and differential spectral response. Testing of space solar cells and arrays is discussed with elaboration of different electrical tests, electrical performance, relative spectral response, reverse characterization, and capacitance characterization. Monitoring of solar array performance in space is also discussed in detail.