A new approach for parameter estimation of a single-diode model of photovoltaic (PV) cells/modules

Solar energy is becoming a popular renewable energy source, leading to the wide use of photovoltaic (PV) cells / modules in energy generation. Therefore, realistic modeling of PVs and determination of equivalent circuit parameters are of great importance for planning and operation. Hence, in this study, an analytical model; series resistance (Rs), shunt resistance (Rp), diode ideality factor (a), diode reverse saturation current (Io) and photon current (Ipv) used in single-diode equivalent circuit modeling of PV cells/modules parameters have been developed without neglecting any term. In order to test the accuracy of the model, a number of PV modules from different manufacturers are considered and the results are compared with those obtained using these analytical models in the literature. The current-voltage (I-V) characteristics of the PV modules of studied model are simulated by comparison with the experimental I-V curves provided by the manufacturers. The results show that the values of the parameters obtained for PV modules are consistent with those obtained using other analytical models. Moreover, the I-V curves generated using the obtained parameters are in full agreement with the experimental data. The curves are also highly compatible with the curves generated using the optimal parameters of the two-diode models given in the literature. The proposed model provides advantages in estimating equivalent circuit parameters; in ease of use, in terms of input data requirements, dependence on initial conditions, as well as neglected parameters in such methods given in the literature.