The best way i have found to align a solar cell towards the sun it to mount a small stick perpendicular to the solar cell s surface then adjust the cell to minimize the stick s shadow.
How to measure temperature of solar panel.
Most installed solar modules in sunny countries easily reach higher temperatures than 25 c.
The temperature coefficient of pmax is the percentage of energy a solar panel loses for every degree celsius that the panel exceeds the stc temperature of 25 c.
Solar cell temperature at 25 c.
Solar irradiance at 1000 watts per square meter.
Beyond using a good light source you need to align the solar cell toward it properly to get optimal power.
Air mass at 1 5.
To get an accurate measurement you will need to ensure that your panel is in full sunlight when you test.
Flat surface temperature sensors can be mounted on each solar panel or on selected representative solar panels to provide temperature measurement profiles of the solar panel array.
This refers to the temperature of the solar cell itself not the temperature of the surrounding.
Solar panel efficiency calculation.
You will need a solar panel tester known as an amp meter.
One method of monitoring solar panel temperature is to use a flat surface temperature sensor like the we710 to take measurements.
To measure the amp output of your solar panel you will need to attach the meter to the positive and negative.
Think of it as positioning a sail towards the wind.
To determine the operating efficiency as opposed to the ideal efficiency of your solar panels subtract the temperature of your solar panel from the stc temperature of 25 c then multiply that figure by the temperature coefficient of pmax.