Low cost electronic load for out-door testing of photovoltaic panels

Characterization of photovoltaic panel is important to predict its long-term performance. In this study a test facility has been designed and built to trace the IV curve of four photovoltaic panels. The system contains four subsystems, Four PV panels containing temperature and radiation sensors (external elements), IV tracer with panel switcher, data acquisition system, and computer command and treatment. As results of the tests, the IV and PV curves were obtained at different irradiation and temperature, with and without partial shading. All obtained data are stored in MySQL database for ease exploitation and treatment. The designed system is reliable for long-term outdoor performance testing.