Single-Variable Optimization Method for Evaluating Solar Cell and Solar Module Parameters

This paper presents a simple and accurate method to assess the single-diode model parameters of an illuminated and dark solar cell (SC) and its extension to a photovoltaic solar module (PVSM). The proposed method is based on the acquisition of experimental data related to the
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characteristics of illuminated or dark SC/PVSM at fixed climatic conditions. The method presented in a previous work is generalized, the effects of measurement uncertainty of the results are discussed, and its application to different technologies are shown. A micropower monocrystalline SC, a monocrystalline SC, a polycrystalline PVSM, and an amorphous PVSM have been characterized using direct insulation in an outside environment with a correlation coefficient up to the noise limit.