Modeling of Photovoltaic Panels

Through the photovoltaic effect, photovoltaic cells convert solar energy into electrical energy. Photovoltaic cells are connected in series to reach the desired voltage (around 700-1000V DC), then parallel in order to obtain a higher current (8-16 A). The photovoltaic cells must be used at their maximum power point. The I-U curve of a photovoltaic panel is non-linear, and environmental factors such as temperature or solar irradiation bring considerable variations to the characteristic and location of the maximum power point. This paper presents a method based on the mathematical model of a diode for tracking the maximum power point of a photovoltaic panel or a photovoltaic field under different meteorological conditions using only the data provided by the manufacturers. The model has been validated with experimental data of a commercial photovoltaic module, CHSM6610P Astroenergy.