The equivalent circuit of a solar cell consists of an ideal current generator in parallel with a diode in reverse bias, both of which are connected to a load. These models are invaluable for understanding fundamental device physics, explaining specific phenomena, and aiding in the design of more efficient devices.
An equivalent circuit model of an ideal solar cell's p–n junction uses an ideal current source (whose photogenerated current increases with light intensity) in parallel with a diode (whose current represents recombination losses). To account for resistive losses, a shunt resistance and a series resistance are added as lumped elements.
current source in parallel with a diode; in practice no solar cell is ideal, so a shunt resistance and a series resistance component are added to the model. The resulting equivalent circuit of a solar cell is shown on the left. Also shown, on the right, is the schematic representation of a solar cell for use in circuit diagrams.
It can be shown that for a high-quality solar cell (low RS and I0, and high RSH) the short-circuit current is: It is not possible to extract any power from the device when operating at either open circuit or short circuit conditions. The values of IL, I0, RS, and RSH are dependent upon the physical size of the solar cell.
An ideal solar cell may be modelled by a current source in parallel with a diode; in practice no solar cell is ideal, so a shunt resistance and a series resistance component are added to the model. The resulting equivalent circuit of a solar cell is shown on the left.
Most ren... ... ideal solar cell is modeled by a current source connected in parallel with a rectifying diode, as shown in Figure 1 ... ... the voltage is unaffected with lower solar radiation.
OverviewEquivalent circuit of a solar cellWorking explanationPhotogeneration of charge carriersThe p–n junctionCharge carrier separationConnection to an external loadSee also
An equivalent circuit model of an ideal solar cell''s p–n junction uses an ideal current source (whose photogenerated current increases with light intensity) in parallel with a diode (whose current represents recombination losses). To account for resistive losses, a shunt resistance and a series resistance are added as lumped elements. The resulting output current equals the photogenerated curr…