Extracting a series resistance from In[Jsc]-Voc and FF-Voc characteristics

Solar concentrator systems often employ complex optical and electrical components such as lenses, dichroic mirrors, and inverters. Embedding solar cell models into a system analysis tool, such as an optical modeling tool, facilitates system optimization. Polynomial curve-fit based models are useful for this purpose, as they accurately and reliably predict measured cell performance over a wide range of intensity. In this paper, it is shown that the curve-fit model allows for the extraction of an intensity-dependent ideality factor and effective series resistance. A case study is performed on a published GaAs concentrator solar cell. The series resistance extracted from the model is within 10% of the expected value.