From an electrical point of view, an electronic load refers to an instrument with a positive voltage at both ends and a current (i.e. a reverse current) flowing through it. Thus, for most solar cell tests that can be illuminated and the cell produces energy, the four-quadrant power supply actually acts as an electronic load.

 

500kw load bank

The advantage of using an electronic load is that the load can be used for different current and power levels. Electronic loads rated at 50W or up to several kilowatts and hundreds of amperes are a good solution to the 3A and 20W limitations of four-quadrant power supplies.

 

Electronic loads can operate in constant voltage, constant current, constant resistance, and constant power modes on solar cells. For example, in constant voltage mode, an electronic load can adjust the voltage at its ends by adjusting the current flowing through it to maintain a constant voltage value. Thus, a constant voltage mode can be used to generate a voltage sweep, allowing the load to control the voltage at the output of the solar cell and then measure the resulting current.

 

In other modes, electronic loads can also adjust their voltage or power directly by adjusting the current they flow through.