An Explicit Multiexponential Model as an Alternative to Traditional Solar Cell Models With Series and Shunt Resistances

Abstract

Classical analyses of various conventional solar cell models are examined. They are unified through the separation of their linear and nonlinear components and the application of Thevenin's theorem to the linear terms. An explicit multiexponential model with series and shunt resistances is proposed as an alternative to conventional implicit multiexponential models commonly used to describe significant parallel conduction mechanisms in real solar cells. The proposed model is better suited than conventional models for repetitive simulation applications because of its inherently higher computational efficiency. Its explicit nature is a very useful feature for direct analytic differentiation and integration. The model's applicability has been assessed by parameter extraction and subsequent playback using synthetic I–V characteristics of a hypothetical solar cell at various illumination levels chosen purely for illustrative purposes.