This program calculates the current-voltage and power-voltage characteristics of a photovoltaic (PV) using data provided by the manufacturer at standard conditions of 1,000 W/m² and 25 C. The method used to determine the PV performance at specified radiation and cell temperature is presented in:

“Improvement and Validation of a Model for Photovoltaic Array Performance”

W. De Soto, S.A. Klein , W.A. Beckman

accepted for publication in Solar Energy Journal, July, 2005

To use this program, first click the Set Array Characteristics button. A window will appear in which information about the array must be supplied. With the exception of the number of cells in series and parallel, the array information is normally available on the PV cell manufacturer’s web site.

Next, enter the site-specific information that includes the location, time, slope, solar radiation and cell temperature. Click the Calculate button. The program will first calculate the parameters for the 5-Parameter PV model using the relations in the De Soto paper. Then, a plot of the current vs. voltage and power vs. voltage will be calculated and displayed in the Diagram window.

For additional information, contact:

S.A. Klein

klein@engr.wisc.edu