Optical and Electrical Characterization Techniques for Solar Cells: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

The optical and electrical characterization of solar cells—an area highly relevant to energy research, technologies advancement, and climate change mitigation—has been surveyed in a systematic review. The characterization techniques are categorized, and detailed definitions are provided. Dedicated sections on perovskite, silicon, and thin-film technologies address the specific aspects and pitfalls of optical and electrical characterization for each class of solar cells. Instrumentation, calibration, and uncertainty assessment measures are surveyed; sophisticated models for data analysis, interpretation, and coupled optical–electrical characterization are outlined. Emerging non-invasive characterization schemes benefiting from state-of-the-art advances in photonics, micro- and nanoscale optics, and microelectromechanical systems are highlighted. The demand for fast yet reliable characterization methods for the new generation of multifunctional, hybrid, and organic devices is also signaled. The review concludes with a discussion of standards, best practices, data reproducibility, and research data sharing (Pravettoni & Pravettoni, 2011) ; (Perkowitz et al., 1994).

Keywords: Optical characterization of solar cells, Electrical characterization techniques, Photovoltaic device analysis, Perovskite and thin-film solar cells, Non-invasive measurement methods.