Photovoltaic Cells, Modules & Arrays
The need for low-carbon, renewable energy sources have fueled a feverish search for cost-effective photovoltaic (PV) technologies. To be competitive, PV cells must be cost effective, operate for a useful lifetime, and convert sunlight energy in high efficiencies.

To overcome these challenges, a variety of approaches are being utilized, including:  

Whichever PV technology you choose to innovate, AMREL’s eLoad line of programmable electronic loadshas a product that will meet your requirements for research, design, development, or validation.  eLoad’s standard programming allows for easy generation of PV performance data.  In addition to validating solar cell electrical specifications, the
eLoad programmable electronic load comes with a capability for the generation and graphical display of IV curve. This enables quick determination of VMP, IMP, FF, ISC and VOC and other significant metrics to improve the design and efficiency of the PV under test.

MPPT Inverters
To maximize power output, Maximum Power Point Trackers (MPPT) determine the precise current that is most efficiently drawn from the PV cells. Inverters with MPPT capabilities are often used for large-scale, grid-oriented, distributed generation PV applications.

The ePower line of programmable power supplies have products specially designed to validate MPPT effectiveness of solar inverters. ePower programmable power supplies have proven valuable for MPPT testing in the areas of :

AMREL is one of the few sources of programmable power supplies with high-voltage and high-power ratings appropriate for industrial-level grid-oriented PV generation.  In addition, AMREL’s unique “MPPT Simulation Engine” generates up to 50 user-configured I-V points to approximate the actual MPPT inverter operation. This is invaluable for the validation of power tracking algorithm and hardware design.  Programmable offsets for irradiance and temperature effects ensure the MPPT tracking capability adjusts for real world environmental conditions.

“MPPT Simulation Engine” in Action
ePower Programmable Power Supplies
• • • • Up to 4000Vdc Voltage Rating for high voltage PV Inverters
• • • • 50-point I-V Modulation Table and PC GUI for PV Simulation

• • • • I-V Curve Irradiance and Temperature adjustment parameters
• • • • Validate your MPPT algorithm/method for PV Inverters and solar battery chargers
• • • • Perfect for Regulatory Compliance Testing (UL, CE) for Grid-tied PV Inverters
• • • • Ask about AMREL’s high-power, high-voltage and high-current ePower products

eLoad Programmable Electronic Loads
• • • • User-friendly PC GUI simulates I-V Curves and stores I-V test data
• • • • Determine Pmp, Vmp, Imp, FF, Voc, Isc, and Efficiency parameters

• • • • eLoad will determine Pmp and auto-operate at max power point
• • • • Validate PV Cell/Module performance down to 0Vdc
• • • • Validate Thin-film, Single and Poly- Silicone, and solar concentrator PV Design & Materials
• • • • Ask about AMREL’s high-power, high-voltage and high-current eLoad products