Photovoltaic panels are nonlinear electric power sources whose output voltage and power vary with the current demanded by the load, temperature and age of the cells. There are a few commercial IxV tracers for identifying and plotting the I x V curves of solar panels/arrays. The objective of this project is the design and implementation of a low-cost I x V tracer. In principle, it can be seen as a controllable variable resistance along with an acquisition system for the voltage and current values of the PV panel. Means for controlling and implementing the variable resistance and for connecting the device to a computer for data downloading are to be developed. A working prototype implemented in a printed circuit board (PCB) should be presented at the conclusion of the project.

ELEC-331 and ELEC-433