Measuring solar panel output with NI PXI-4130

[ampalumbo]

I am trying to perform IV characterization on a solar panel (http://www.solarpanelstore.com/solar-power.small-solar-panels.smallspssolarcollectors.stp010-12.info...).  I am using a Power SMU (NI PXI-4130) inserted into an NI PXIe-1073 chassis, which connects to the laptop using an Expresscard.  I have an NI auxillary power source hooked into the Aux Power Input on the SMU.

My first question is, where is the proper place to connect the wires from the solar panel on the SMU?

I have tried both the output and sense of channel 1.

Second, I am using a VI obtained from National Instruments to get the IV curve (http://zone.ni.com/devzone/cda/epd/p/id/5918).  On the front panel, you must specify the voltage level, current limit start, and current limit stop.  With the solar panel I’m using (and at an irradiance of around 1000 W/m^2), what would be the proper values to input?

Thanks in advance.

-Adam

[KatieC]

Adam, 

As to the VI inputs, I took a look at the specifications. Straight from that document, it looks like you want the following values:

• Isc = .65
• Voc = 21.6
• Pmax = 10
• Vmp = 17.4
• Imp = .57
• Efficiency = 8.8

What I couldn't find was a diagram specifying its external connections. However, this SMU guide has a section on connecting signals that may help you out.

Katie