Key Takeaways of Solar Panel Specifications Solar panel specifications include factors such as power output, efficiency, voltage, current, and temperature coefficient, which determine the performance and suitability of the panel for specific applications.
The article explains key solar panel specifications, such as wattage, standard test conditions (STC), normal operating cell temperature (NOCT), efficiency, temperature coefficient, and warranties. It highlights the importance of understanding these specifications when comparing solar panel systems.
As you can see from the picture above, solar panels are made up of cells. For grid-tied systems, the panels usually use either 60 cells, or 72 cells, or in the case of SunPower Maxeon 3 panels, 104 cells (see below). With a higher number of cells, output will increase, as will operating voltage.
An example of a solar module datasheet composed of wafer-type PV cells is shown in Figure 1. Notice that the data sheet is divided into several sections: electrical data, mechanical data, I-V curve, tested operating conditions, warranties and certifications, and mechanical dimensions.
Solar cell parameters gained from every I-V curve include the short circuit current, Isc, the open circuit voltage, Voc, the current Imax and voltage Vmax at the maximum power point Pmax, the fill factor (FF), and the power conversion efficiency of the cell, η [2–6].
Cells are wired in series, and each one has an operating voltage of between 0.5V and 0.7V. This is the Maximum Power Output of the panel, under standard test conditions (1000 W/m² irradiance, cell temperature 25°C, air mass 1.5). Note that solar panels are made in a ‘range’.