PARASOL: an open-source platform for parallel testing of solar modules

Abstract

Advances in the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of solar photovoltaic (PV) technology are occurring rapidly in research centers across the world as part of the effort to decarbonize society. Beyond PCE, any new technology must demonstrate sufficient operational durability to advance towards commercialization. In particular, perovskite solar cells (PSCs), a leading emerging PV technology, have faced challenges with durability. Researchers have outlined various protocols catered to accelerating lifetime testing of PSCs, but the availability of a cost effective, reliable durability testing platform is severely limited. Herein, we present PARASOL, an open-source platform for parallel testing of solar modules, offering maximum power point tracking (MPPT) options for biasing, full current–voltage (IV) scans for characterization, environmental monitoring (outdoor) and/or control (indoor). PARASOL enables testing of cells and modules outdoors or indoors and is compliant with standardized ISOS-L and ISOS-O tests. The system provides control and flexibility over hardware and software algorithms for further user customization. The system's design and function are discussed in detail with accompanying schematics, wiring diagrams, and open-source software to encourage case-specific customization and adoption by the community. One month of outdoor testing of a perovskite minimodule in San Diego, California is used as a case study to demonstrate the implementation of the platform and the data it produces.