A hybrid method for solar cell parameter estimation

Abstract

This work reports the results obtained from applying a non-linear optimization method to the I-V characteristic of a GaAlP/GaAlAs/Ge solar cell. Modifications done to the Hooke–Jeeves method are reported. Later, this method was combined with a semi-analytical approach. This provides the starting conditions for the modified Hooke-Jeeves method. Our proposal was validated by comparing its results to the ones obtained by other methods. When minimizing the difference between the experimental measurements of the I-V characteristic and a theoretical model of the solar cell, good agreements are found, and this is reflected in a reduced relative error, under 2%. In this way, the parameters forming the theoretical model are estimated.