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PV Arrays (Solar Panels)

This document discusses the electrical properties and operation of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels. It explains that photons generate current in the junction between n-type and p-type semiconductors. Solar panels produce a characteristic I-V curve, with short circuit current (Isc) and open circuit voltage (Voc) that vary with solar intensity. Cells are arranged in series to produce panels of 12V or higher, and panels are wired in series into arrays. The maximum power point lies between Isc and Voc, where the product of current and voltage is greatest.

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Heather Johnson
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80 views8 pages

PV Arrays (Solar Panels)

This document discusses the electrical properties and operation of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels. It explains that photons generate current in the junction between n-type and p-type semiconductors. Solar panels produce a characteristic I-V curve, with short circuit current (Isc) and open circuit voltage (Voc) that vary with solar intensity. Cells are arranged in series to produce panels of 12V or higher, and panels are wired in series into arrays. The maximum power point lies between Isc and Voc, where the product of current and voltage is greatest.

Uploaded by

Heather Johnson
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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PV Arrays (Solar Panels)

Electrical Properties of a Solar Cell


Photons

Junction

n-type
p-type

V
+

External circuit
(e.g., battery,
lights)

Diode current
5

BV

A(e BV 1)

External circuit
(e.g., battery,
lights)

Diode Amps

Isc

V
+

AA((eeBV 11))

I
0

I I sc A(e

BV

1)

0.0

Diode Volts

0.6

I-V Curve

I I sc A(e BV 1) , where A, B, and especially Isc vary with solar insolation

Increasing
solar insolation

Isc

Maximum
power point

Im
Pmax Vm I m

V
0

Vm

Voc

36 Cells in Series Make a 12V-Class Panel (Voc 19V)

9 cells x 4 cells is a
common configuration

Two 12V-Class Panels in Series Make a 24V-Class Array (Voc 38V)

I-V Curve
Isc

I (V ) 5.34 0.00524 e 0.1777V 1


PV Station 13, Bright Sun, Dec. 6, 2002

Isc

Pmax at approx. 30V

Pmax 0.7 Voc Isc

I - amps

4
3
2
1
0
0

10

15

20

25

V(panel) - volts

30

35

40

45

Voc
5

The Maximum Power Point


PV Station 13, Bright Sun, Dec. 6, 2002
140.0

Pmax

P(panel) - watts

120.0
100.0
80.0
60.0
40.0
20.0

P=0 at short circuit

P=0 at open circuit

0.0
0

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

V(panel) - volts

On a good solar day, you get about 1kWh per


square meter of solar panels (corresponds to
about 150W rated)
6

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