Using a volt meter, how do I measure the amount of power from a solar cell?

Question

I am conducting an experiment and am unsure of the formula used to calculate power. Also, please cite your source.

Answer 1

First, the cell needs to be actually producing power. It needs to be connected to something that uses that power.

Then, you measure the voltage across the cell's terminals, call the value "V" in volts. Then measure the current from the cell, call the value "I", in amperes. Multiply the two numbers, that is the power in watts. Example: 5 volts times 1 amp = 5 watts.

Answer 2

Let's try to keep this simple:

Power = Voltage *Current

it is also equal to

Power = (Voltage^2) * resistance

It is easy to measure the voltage using a voltmeter. My voltmeter can also measure resistance.

I would create a circuit (use a light bulb or some simple resistors). Measure the resistance (without the solar cell hooked up). Then I would hook up the solar cell, turn on the light and measure the voltage output. I would then plug it into the Power equation.

As one of your answerers noted, power output in a solar cell depending on a number of variables so you might want to try the cell under several resistances and several solar inputs.

Answer 3

You need to measure both voltage and current simultaneously because power is voltage times current. And because a solar cell is a non-linear source, meaning that the voltage across the cell depends in a complex fashion of the current through the cell, in order to get the max. power out of the cell, you have to vary the load and determine the highest current-voltage product.

Try this, it looks like a nicely written description:

http://www.nikhef.nl/~h73/kn1c/praktikum/phywe/LEP/Experim/4_1_09.pdf

Have Fun!

Answer 4

you could degree the voltage, and the present and determine the flexibility. yet till you have some ability of measuring the flexibility introduced by ability of the solar, it is going to likely be complicated to determine the performance. A 'Bolo' meter or Pyrometer could be used. the main precise technique of deteriming the great on an usual basis photograph voltaic enter is by ability of using a "pyroheliometer" This tracks the solar and measures the output. you will nevertheless ought to calibrate it to get the flexibility introduced. the ratio of ability out of your photograph voltaic cellular divided by ability of the flexibility introduced is the final performance. wer

Answer 5

With a volt meter, you cannot take just one measurement and measure power.

Power is measured in WATTS. Voltage is measured in Volts.

It's like you're trying to equal apples to snowshoes.

Beyond this, you should do your own research for your homework and not ask such questions here.

A good book to study from your library is the ARRL handbook. It's probably the best book IMHO.

Answer 6

use ohms laws. power=voltage x current
or power=(current squared)x(resistance)