Theory of solar cells
OverviewEquivalent circuit of a solar cellWorking explanationPhotogeneration of charge carriersThe p–n junctionCharge carrier separationConnection to an external load
An equivalent circuit model of an ideal solar cell''s p–n junction uses an ideal current source (whose photogenerated current increases with light intensity) in parallel with a diode (whose current represents recombination losses). To account for resistive losses, a shunt resistance and a series resistance are added as lumped elements. The resulting output current equals the photogenerated curr