A method for measuring the current and voltage IV characteristics of a solar cell, comprising attaching a solar cell to a temperature controlled chuck. Measuring the open circuit voltage of the solar cell at a constant chuck temperature. Illuminating the solar cell using an illumination source. Measuring the open circuit voltage of the solar cell until the open circuit voltage is stable. Determining the peak open circuit voltage of the solar cell at the constant chuck temperature. Reducing the temperature of the temperature controlled chuck and measuring the open circuit voltage of the solar cell until the open circuit voltage is at the peak open circuit voltage. Measuring the current and voltage IV characteristics of the solar cell.