Experiment 4

Object:

Spectral Response Measurement of PV Module

Apparatus Required:

1) Solar Panel
2) Stand
3) Coloured Film
4) Bulb

Theory:
Sunlight is a portion of the electromagnetic radiation given off by the Sun, as infrared, visible, and ultraviolet light. When sunlight falls on
earth it is filtered through Earth's atmosphere. When the solar radiation is not blocked by clouds, it is experienced as sunshine, a
combination of bright light and radiant heat. When it is blocked by clouds or reflected off by other objects, it is experienced as diffused
light. The World Meteorological Organization uses the term "sunshine duration" to mean the cumulative time during which an area receives
direct irradiance from the Sun of at least 120 watts per square meter. Other sources indicate an "Average over the entire Earth" of "164 Watts
per square meter over a 24 hour day".
The ultraviolet radiation in sunlight has both positive and negative health effects, as it is both a principal source of vitamin D3 and a
mutagen.
Light is made up of different colours. The light we can see is called visible light and consist of seven colours commonly known as
VIBGYOR (i.e. violet, indigo, blue, green, yellow, orange, red). These different colours of light have different wavelengths and also
different energies. There also exist light of such small wavelength that human cant see with their eyes. Light with lower energy than visible
light is known as Infrared or IR light.

Fig1: Scattering of white light through prism

The visible spectrum is the portion of the electromagnetic spectrum that is visible to the human eye. Electromagnetic radiation in this range
of wavelengths is called visible light or simply light. A typical human eye will respond to wavelengths from about 390 to 700 nm. In terms
of frequency, this corresponds to a band in the vicinity of 430770 THz. Colors containing only one wavelength are also called pure colors
or spectral colors.

Fig2: Wavelength of various colors

Solar power is the conversion of sunlight into electricity, either directly using photovoltaic (PV), or indirectly using concentrated solar
power. Concentrated solar power systems use lenses or mirrors and tracking systems to focus a large area of sunlight into a small beam.
Photovoltaic cells convert light into an electric current using the photovoltaic effect.
The solar power is generated with the help of solar cells when appropriate amount of sunlight falls on the cells. The solar cells make use of
phenomenon called as photovoltaic effect. The presence of various colors in between the path of solar cell and sun light effect the amount of
energy generated by the solar panel.

The table below shows the value of wavelength of various colors of VIBGYOR

Colour

Wavelength(nm)

Violet

400-440

Indigo

440-460

Blue

460-500

Green

500-570

Yellow

570-590

Orange

590-620

In this experiment we will see the changes in the value of voltage due to the use of four
different colours that are green, yellow, blue, red.

Procedure:

Red

2)
3)

620-700
1) Place the bulb at a constant distance near the solar panel in the laboratory and
note the readings.
Take the colored films and place them over the solar panel one by one and note the readings simultaneously.
Perform the same steps mentioned, but now in the presence of sunlight in an open area(replacing bulb with the sunlight) and note
the readings.

Observation:
Table1: When the source of light is bulb
Voc=15.15
Temperature: 25 degree Celsius
Time: 14:30
Colour Of Film

Voltage( in volt)

Green

14.78

Yellow

14.81

Blue

14.73

Red

14.69

Table2: When the source of light is sun

Voc=13.75
Temperature: 25 degree Celsius
Time: 14:30
Colour Of Film

Voltage( in volt)

Green

13.73

Yellow

13.83

Blue

13.56

Red

13.71

Voc=14.56
Temperature: 17 degree Celsius
Time: 11:43
Colour Of Film

Voltage( in volt)

Green

14.23

Yellow

14.38

Blue

14.02

Red

14.20

Temperature: 18 degree Celsius

Time: 11:51
Voc=13.90
Colour Of Film

Voltage( in volt)

Green

13.56

Yellow

13.65

Blue

13.36

Red

13.50

Average Voltage when source of light is sun:

Average Voc= 14.07
Average Voltage: 1) Green= 14.07
2) Yellow= 13.38
3) Blue= 13.56
4) Red= 13.71

Result:
The above readings give us the conclusion that the Yellow coloured film gives the maximum voltage whether used with bulb or sunlight.

Precautions:
1)
2)

The readings should be taken carefully.

Apparatus should be handled with care.