On the Nature of the One-Diode Solar Cell Model Parameters

The one-diode model is probably the most common equivalent electrical circuit of a real crystalline solar cell. Extensive research has focused on extracting model parameters from measurements performed in standard test conditions (STC), aiming to replicate the current-voltage characteristics (I-V). This study started from finding that, for the same solar cell, different scientific reports yield significantly different sets of parameters, all allowing for highly accurate replication of the measured I-V characteristics. This observation raises a big question: What is the true physical set of parameters? The present study attempts to address this question. For this purpose, a numerical experiment was conducted. The results show that there is an infinity of distinct sets of parameters that can replicate the I-V characteristics at STC via the one-diode model equation. The diode saturation current I-S and the diode ideality factor compensate each other to preserve the open-circuit voltage V-OC, always an input data point. Some possible approaches (e.g., the link between V-OC and I-S) that can lead to the physical set of parameters are discussed, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses. There is enough room for future research on finding a universal approach able to guarantee the accurate extraction of the one-diode model physical parameters.

Automated summary

Different scientific reports provide significantly different parameter sets that accurately replicate the current-voltage characteristics. A numerical experiment reveals an infinity of distinct parameter sets that can replicate the I-V characteristics using the one-diode model equation. The diode saturation current IS and the diode ideality factor compensate each other to maintain the open-circuit voltage consistently.