I-V Characteristics Curve of A Solar Cell

GET 306: Renewable Energy Systems &
Technologies
I-V Characteristics Curve of a Solar Cell
E.Usen
October 2023
I-V Characteristics of a Solar Cell
The Solar Cell I-V Characteristic Curves show the current and
voltage (I-V) characteristics of a particular photovoltaic ( PV ) cell,
module, or array. It gives a detailed description of its solar energy
conversion ability and efficiency. Knowing the electrical I-V
characteristics (more importantly Pmax) of a solar cell, or panel is
critical in determining the device’s output performance and solar
efficiency. In other words, the I-V characteristics curves of a solar
cell are basically a graphical representation of the operation of a
solar cell or module summarising the relationship between the
current and voltage at the existing irradiance and temperature
conditions. I-V curves provide the information required to
configure a solar system to operate as close to its optimal peak
power point (MPP) as possible.
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I-V Characteristics of a Solar Cell
The main electrical characteristics of a PV cell or module are
summarized in the relationship between the current and voltage
produced on a typical solar cell I-V characteristics curve. The
intensity of the solar radiation that hits the cell controls the
current ( I ), while the increase in the temperature of the solar
cell reduces its voltage ( V ).
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I-V Curve
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I-V Curve
The above graph shows the current-voltage ( I-V ) characteristics
of a typical silicon PV cell operating under normal conditions. The
power delivered by a single solar cell or panel is the product of its
output current and voltage ( I x V ). If the multiplication is done,
point for point, for all voltages from short-circuit to open-circuit
conditions, the power curve above is obtained for a given
radiation level.
With the solar cell open-circuited, which is not connected to any
load, the current will be at its minimum (zero) and the voltage
across the cell is at its maximum, known as the solar cells open
circuit voltage, or Voc. At the other extreme, when the solar cell
is short-circuited, that is the positive and negative leads
connected together, the voltage across the cell is at its minimum
(zero) but the current flowing out of the cell reaches its
maximum, known as the solar cells short circuit current, or Isc
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I-V Curve
Then the span of the solar cell I-V characteristics curve ranges
from the short circuit current ( Isc ) at zero output volts, to zero
current at the full open circuit voltage ( Voc ). In other words, the
maximum voltage available from a cell is at open circuit, and the
maximum current at closed circuit. Of course, neither of these two
conditions generates any electrical power, but there must be a
point somewhere in between where the solar cell generates
maximum power.
However, there is one particular combination of current and
voltage for which the power reaches its maximum value,
at Imp and Vmp. In other words, the point at which the cell
generates maximum electrical power and this is shown at the top
right area of the green rectangle. This is the “maximum power
point” or MPP. Therefore the ideal operation of a photovoltaic cell
(or panel) is defined to be at the maximum power point.
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Important Solar Cell Parameters
VOC - open-circuit voltage – This is the maximum voltage that
the array provides when the terminals are not connected to any
load (an open circuit condition). This value is much higher than
Vmp which relates to the operation of the PV array which is fixed
by the load. This value depends upon the number of PV panels
connected together in series.
ISC - short-circuit current – The maximum current provided by
the PV array when the output connectors are shorted together (a
short circuit condition). This value is much higher than Imp which
relates to the normal operating circuit current.
MPP - maximum power point – This relates to the point where
the power supplied by the array that is connected to the load
(batteries, inverters) is at its maximum value, where MPP = Imp x
Vmp. The maximum power point of a photovoltaic array is
measured in Watts (W) or peak Watts (Wp).
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Thank you
02/11/2023 8

I-V Characteristics Curve of A Solar Cell

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GET 306: Renewable Energy Systems &

I-V Characteristics Curve of a Solar Cell

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