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Solar cell and maximum power point

Vary irradiance, temperature and load to find the current–voltage curve and maximum power point.

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    Energy & Environment · Renewable energy / Principles and inquiry

    Solar cell and maximum power point experiment guide

    Vary irradiance, temperature and load to find the current–voltage curve and maximum power point.

    How does it work?

    The load sets the operating point. Power peaks between short circuit and open circuit.

    Key relationship

    I = Iph − Is[exp(V/(36nVT)) − 1] · P = VI

    Try this investigation

    1. Vary irradiance, temperature and load to find the current–voltage curve and maximum power point.
    2. Run and record each of the three reference settings.
    3. Change one variable in each comparison and compare its energy results with the baseline.

    Interpreting your results

    How do you locate maximum power at fixed irradiance?

    Find the largest product of voltage and current · The load sets the operating point. Power peaks between short circuit and open circuit.

    Assumptions and limitations

    This single-diode model uses 36 series cells over 0.5 m². Shading, series resistance and thermal transients are omitted.