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To describe the operating of a PV module, we use the Shockley's simple "one diode" model, described, for example, in Beckman and al. This model is based on the following equivalent circuit for decribing a PV cvell:

The model was primarily developed for a single cell. Its generalization to the whole module implies that all cells are considered as rigorously identical.

A more sophisticated model, implying 2 different diodes, is sometimes proposed for the very accurate modelling of a single cell. But in PVsyst, we think that small discrepancies in the cell parameters, inducing internal mismatch, as well as the moderate accuracy of our basic input parameters (usually from manufacturer), make no sense to use it. In the one-diode model the two diodes are considered identical, and the Gamma factor - ranging theoretically from 1 to 2 - defines the mix between them.

This model is well-suited for the description of any technology of Si-crystalline modules, but needs some adaptations for reproducing the thin film technologie module behaviour. We observed that the CIS technology obeys quite well to this standard model.

Basic equation at reference conditions

The main expression describing the general "one-diode" model for a given set of reference conditions  (usually STC: 1000 W/m2, 25°C, AM=1.5)  is written as:

I  = Iphref  -   IoRef  [ exp  (q · (V + I · Rs) / ( Ncs·Gamma·k·Tc) ) - 1 ]    -    (V + I · Rs) / Rsh

with :

In this equation, we have 2 unknowns (in blue), five parameters to be determined  (in green) and some physical constants.  

The determination of the 5 parameters is described in the next topic. It involves the STC data usually specified by the manufacturer.

After obtaining the 5 parameter's values, we can solve the equation for getting the I/V curve, i.e any point I = f(V) or V = f(I). As the equation is implicit, this requires to use a successive approximations approach.

Extension to  varying environmental conditions

As function of the irradiance

The one-diode model assumes that the photocurrent  Iph  is perfectly proportional to the irradiance.  

There is also a little dependency on temperature: a positive linear increase according to the muISC parameter, of the order of  +0.05 % / °C.

Therefore for any conditions, the Iph will be determined with respect to the values given for reference conditions  (Gref, Tref):

Iph =   ( G / Gref ) ·   [  Iph ref  +   muISC    (Tc   -  Tc ref) ]

As function of the temperature

The diode's reverse saturation current is supposed to vary with the temperature according to the expression:

Io  =  Io ref    ( Tc / Tc ref )3  ·   exp  [ ( q · EGap / Gamma · k)  ·  ( 1 / Tc ref  -   1 / Tc ) ]

 

This equation is derived from the fundamental solid state physics: it was proposed by the "inventors" of the first PV cells in 1950, and applies quite well to the reality.  

It varies very quickly, as a function of the cube and the exponential of the temperature variations.

As function of the the spectral contents

The spectral correction is not included in the basic One-diode model.

In PVsyst, it as applied differently according to technologies:

- For amorphous modules, we have a parametrized correction as function of Kt and Air mass  

- For crystalline and CIS, the dependency is extremely weak. It is neglected.

- For CdTe modules, a correction has been proposed by the main manufacturer of this technology. It is implemented, but without any guarantee from the PVsyst point of view.