Name- Chinmaya Gambhir
College- P.E.S. Modern College of Engineering, Pune
Project Topic:
Design and Development of a Low-Cost Solar Panel I–V Characterization and Maximum Power Point Analysis System
Brief Description:
This project presents the design and experimental validation of a low-cost solar panel performance characterization system capable of generating real-time I–V (Current–Voltage) and P–V (Power–Voltage) curves. The system uses a MOSFET-based electronic load controlled by an Arduino to sweep the solar panel across its complete operating region from short-circuit to open-circuit conditions.
The objective of the project is to develop an accessible and scalable solar panel testing framework for educational and small-scale diagnostic applications.
An INA219 high-side current sensor is used for precise voltage and current measurement. The collected data is transmitted to a computer and processed using a custom Python-based analysis program, which automatically generates I–V and P–V graphs and calculates critical parameters such as:
· Open Circuit Voltage (Voc)
· Short Circuit Current (Isc)
· Maximum Power Point (Vmpp, Impp)
· Maximum Power Output (Pmax)
· Fill Factor (FF)
The system enables experimental analysis of solar panel behavior under varying light intensity and partial shading conditions, closely reflecting real-world solar performance challenges.
Working Principle:
Solar panels exhibit a nonlinear current–voltage characteristic curve. The maximum extractable power occurs at a specific operating point known as the Maximum Power Point (MPP). Accurate identification of this point is essential for optimizing solar energy systems.
In this system:
1. A MOSFET is configured as a controllable electronic load.
2. The Arduino generates a PWM signal to vary the MOSFET gate voltage.
3. By dynamically adjusting the effective load resistance, the system sweeps the solar panel through its full operating range.
4. The INA219 sensor measures real-time voltage and current values during the sweep.
5. The data is transmitted via serial communication to a Python-based analysis program.
6. The Python program performs data sorting and filtering, generates I–V and P–V curves, identifies the Maximum Power Point, and calculates performance metrics such as Fill Factor.
This integrated hardware–software approach creates a complete solar panel characterization pipeline.
Experiment Analysis:
The system was experimentally tested under controlled illumination using a 100W incandescent light source. Multiple experiments were conducted to evaluate:
· Effect of light intensity variation (by changing light source distance)
· Impact of partial shading on output characteristics
· Variation in Maximum Power Point under different irradiance conditions
Experimental results demonstrate:
· Reduction in short-circuit current with decreased light intensity
· Shift in Maximum Power Point under varying illumination
· Significant power loss due to partial shading
These observations align with practical solar installation behavior.
The results validate the effectiveness of the proposed system as a reliable low-cost solar characterization platform
Link Of the Google Drive(For Project related Images)-