A Step by Step Analytical Solution to the Single Diode Model of a Solar Cell

Azoda Hubert Koffi; Esau Abeka Armah; Koffi Ampomah-Benefo; David Dodoo-Arhin

doi:10.24949/njes.v15i2.728

Authors

Azoda Hubert Koffi Dept. of Physics, School of Physical and Mathematical Sc., University of Ghana, LG 63, Legon
Esau Abeka Armah Dept. of Physics, School of Physical and Mathematical Sc., University of Ghana, LG 63, Legon
Koffi Ampomah-Benefo Dept. of Physics, School of Physical and Mathematical Sc., University of Ghana, LG 63, Legon
David Dodoo-Arhin Dept. of Material Sciences, School of Engineering, University of Ghana, LG 77, Legon

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.24949/njes.v15i2.728

Abstract

Making use of previous results where the series resistance, R_s, and the light-generated current, I_L, of a solar cell are determined through the knowledge of the open-circuit voltage, V_oc, the short-circuit current, I_sc, the voltage and current at the maximum power point, V_mp and I_mp, respectively, a simple and analytical step-by-step approach has been developed to determine the shunt resistance, R_sh, the reverse saturation current, I_s and the ideality factor, A, of a solar cell. Making use of these results and with the knowledge of the operating temperature, T, this work demonstrates that a single I-V curve is enough to fully solve the transcendental equation governing the behavior of a solar cell in the Single-Diode Model.