Class 12 Physics simulations · Semiconductor Electronics

Solar cell: I–V curve and maximum power

Change the sunlight and the load. The operating point sits where the cell curve meets the load line.

Open the simulation

What to notice

Power is greatest near the knee of the curve — too little or too much load resistance wastes power.

Key relation

I = I_L − I₀(e^(V/nV_T) − 1) ; P = VI

Try this

Adjust the load until the power is maximum.

What you can change

• Irradiance: 100 to 1000 W/m²
• Cell area: 50 to 250 cm²
• Load resistance: 0.05 to 5 Ω

More in Semiconductor Electronics

• Electrons and holes in doped silicon
• P–N junction diode
• Diode I–V characteristic
• LED colour and band gap
• Logic gates
• Half-wave rectifier
• Rectifier with a smoothing capacitor
• Transistor as a switch
• Zener voltage regulator

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