Solar Cell I-V Characteristic Curves show the current and voltage ( I-V ) characteristics of a particular photovoltaic ( PV ) cell, module or array giving a detailed description of its solar energy conversion ability and efficiency. Knowing the electrical I-V characteristics (more importantly P_max) of a solar cell, or panel is critical in determining the device’s output performance and solar efficiency.

Photovoltaic solar cells convert the suns radiant light directly into electricity. With increasing demand for a clean energy source and the suns potential as a free energy source, has made solar energy conversion as part of a mixture of renewable energy sources increasingly important. As a result, the demand for efficient solar cells, which convert sunlight directly into electricity, is growing faster than ever before.

Photovoltaic ( PV ) cells are made made almost entirely from silicon that has been processed into an extremely pure crystalline form that absorbs the photons from sunlight and then releases them as electrons, causing an electric current to flow when the photoconductive cell is connected to an external load. There are a variety of different measurements we can make to determine the solar cell’s performance, such as its power output and its conversion efficiency.

The main electrical characteristics of a PV cell or module are summarized in the relationship between the current and voltage produced on a typical solar cell I-V characteristics curve. The intensity of the solar radiation (insolation) that hits the cell controls the current ( I ), while the increases in the temperature of the solar cell reduces its voltage ( V ).

Solar cells produce direct current ( DC ) electricity and current times voltage equals power, so we can create solar cell I-V curves representing the current versus the voltage for a photovoltaic device.

Solar Cell I-V Characteristics Curves are basically a graphical representation of the operation of a solar cell or module summarising the relationship between the current and voltage at the existing conditions of irradiance and temperature. I-V curves provide the information required to configure a solar system so that it can operate as close to its optimal peak power point (MPP) as possible.