Determination of temperature coefficients of open-circuit voltage and short-circuit current of multi-crystalline silicon solar cells using empirical approach

Abstract

The temperature coefficients of short- circuit current (α) and open-circuit voltage (β) were determined from the measured data. 45 Watts and 70 Watts multi-crystalline Silicon Solar cells, 100Ah battery, 0.5kVA inverter and digital thermometer were employed for the data collection. These equipment were set up in the University of Port Harcourt environs (latitude 4⁰ 55’ 58” North and longitude of 6⁰ 59’ 55” East ) during the period of October to December. The power output of multi-crystalline silicon solar cells decreases by every ⁰C rise in temperature above the operating temperature. Typically, multi-crystalline silicon solar cells rated 45 Watts power output decreases by 63% while 70 Watts power output decreases by 48% for every ⁰C rise in operating temperature.