A detailed modeling method for photovoltaic cells

The photovoltaic cells current-voltage mathematical description is usually defined by a coupled nonlinear equation, difficult to solve using analytical methods. This paper investigates a modeling process configuring a computer simulation model, able to demonstrate the cell's output features in terms of irradiance and temperature environment changes. The model is based on four parameters, and it is tested to simulate three popular types of photovoltaic panels constructed with different materials: copper indium diselenide (CIS) thin film, multi-crystalline silicon, and mono-crystalline silicon. A comparative study of simulation results, carried out by the product manufacturer data, is provided to prove the efficiency of the proposed approach. (c) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.