International Journal of Pure and Applied Mathematics

Volume 118 No. 24 2018

ISSN: 1314-3395 (on-line version)
url: http://www.acadpubl.eu/hub/
Special Issue
http://www.acadpubl.eu/hub/

Study of P-V and I-V Characteristics of

Solar Cell in MATLAB/ Simulink
Navdeep Singh1 and Arvind Goswami2
1
M.E. Student, EED, Chandigarh University
gillsnavdeep@gmail.com
2
Asst. Prof., EED, Chandigarh University
goswamiarvind elect@rediffmail.com

Abstract
There are demanding applications of Solar Cells
in recent times. More emphasis is given to up-
grade the technology so as to get the maximum ef-
ficiency out of a module. In this paper, a MAT-
LAB/Simulink model of a Solar Cell is designed by
implementing the basic current equations. Various
parameters are discussed and their effect on Solar
Cell is plotted in the form of I-V and P-V curves.
The Module can be made up of 36 Solar cells.

Key Words : MATLAB/Simulink, Solar Module,

Solar Cell, I-V and P-V Curves, MPPT.

1.1 Introduction
The introduction of superior methods of renewable energy resources
utilization in the 21st century and the subsequent rapid advance-
ment has led to more diverse applications of such resources partic-
ularly solar energy. Overall the usage of solar energy is increasing
rapidly and have become a more essential contributor to the overall
consumed energy particularly in domestic segment. The demand
has been raised by 20% to 25% in the last 20 years [1]. The market
International Journal of Pure and Applied Mathematics Special Issue

for PV systems is growing exponentially in recent times. In fact,

solar PV provides around 4800 GW in between 2004 and 2009, grid
connected PV capacity goes to 21 GW and was increasing at an
average rate of 60% annually matching technological advancement
in this sector [2]. The rapid usage of various fossil fuels has led
to their deposit to be reduced and has drastically influenced the
environment that results in depletion of the biosphere and effecting
the global warming. Solar energy, which is available abundantly,
it has made possible to harvest it and utilize it properly. Solar
energy can either be a grid connected generating unit or a stan-
dalone generating unit depending upon the availability of a grid in
the vicinity. Thus it can be used to supply power to the rural areas
also where the grid power accessibility is low. Another benefit of
using solar energy is the easy portability operation anywhere and
whenever required. In order to handle current energy consump-
tion scenario, effective techniques have to be developed to tap solar
radiation energy efficiently and economically using Solar Modules
[4].
The Solar Module basically consists of various solar cells (nor-
mally 32 or 72 cells). The working principle of solar cells is essen-
tially similar that is photovoltaic effect. Generally, the photovoltaic
effect is given as the generation of potential difference at the p-n
junction when visible or other radiation comes to contact with it.
The I-V and P-V curves of a solar module are of main importance
since various techniques and algorithms are applied based on the
analysis of these curves including Maximum Power Point Tracking
(MPPT) [5]. The typical I-V and P-V curves are shown in figure
1.1.

Fig.1.1 I-V and P-V Curves of Solar Cell/Module

International Journal of Pure and Applied Mathematics Special Issue

1.2 Methodology
The standard model of PV Cell is designed in this paper using
MATLAB/Simulink software using equivalent circuit of a Solar PV
cell. The equivalent circuit contains a current source, a Diode, a
series resistor and a shunt resistor as shown in figure 1.2. The
different I-V and P-V curves are studied by varying the parameters
of the solar cell which are e discussed in this paper later on.

Fig.1.2. Equivalent Circuit diagram of Solar Cell

It is essential to understand the electronic behavior of a solar

cell and beneficial to design a model which is electrically equivalent,
discrete electrical components based whose standard behavior is
well known. An ideal solar cell could be modeled by a current
source in parallel with a diode; in practical manner no solar cell is
ideal, thats why shunt resistance and a series resistance component
are added to the model.
The characteristic equation of a solar cell is given by:
   
q
I = Iph − Io exp nkT (V +IRs) −1 − V Rsh +IRs
(1.1)

In this equation, I is the photoelectric, q is the charge of electron,

I0 is the reverse saturation current of the Diode, V is the voltage
across the diode, T is the temperature at junction, N is the ideality
factor of the diode, K is the Boltzmann’s constant, and Rs and Rsh
are the series and shunt resistors of the PV cell, respectively.
International Journal of Pure and Applied Mathematics Special Issue

1.3 Simulation Models

The Equation 1.1 is modeled in Simulink to plot the I-V and P-V
curves. The Simulink model for the equation 1.1 is shown in figure
1.3. There are two subsytems in the model one is of photocurrent
and second is of reverse saturation current.

Fig.1.3. Simulink Model of Solar Cell

1.4 Results
The results are obtained by varying two main solar cell parameters
as described below:
Effect of varying solar radiation
International Journal of Pure and Applied Mathematics Special Issue

Fig.1.4. Effect of solar radiation on I-V Curve

Solar radiation affects both photocurrent and open circuit volt-

age of solar cell as shown in figure 1.4. The effect on Power by
changing the solar radiation is shown in figure 1.5.

Fig.1.5. Effect of solar radiation on P-V Curve

Effect of varying Temperature

The effect of varying cell temperature on I-V curve is shown in
figure 1.6.
International Journal of Pure and Applied Mathematics Special Issue

Fig.1.6. Effect of temperature on I-V Curve

The effect of varying cell temperature on P-V curve is shown in

figure 1.7.

Fig.1.7. Effect of temperature on P-V Curve

International Journal of Pure and Applied Mathematics Special Issue

1.5 Conclusion
After plotting the I-V and P-V curves of solar cell by varying two
main parameters, it was found that the solar radiation directly
affects the solar cell power and the open circuit voltage. The radi-
ation values were changed in the range of 400W/m2 to 1000 W/m2
and output current and voltage behaviors were observed However,
there is a noticeable effect on the photocurrent. Secondly, increase
in temperature decreases the open circuit voltage of cell. The tem-
perature is varied from 250 C to 420 C. The Maximum Power Point
of solar cell array can also be traced using these curves.
It is concluded that these results are helpful to study the be-
havior of solar cell and the model can be upgraded to solar module
(36 or 72 Solar Cells) and then several MPPT techniques can be
applied to get the maximum efficiency out of solar module.

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