Equations of a Solar Cell
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: This paper derives the algebraic expression of the short-circuit current of a solar cell from first principles and explains the physics behind why a solar cell under illumination supplies a current at zero applied voltage. Such simple expressions have been absent previously from the solar cell literature. Apart from the short-circuit current, this paper also gives simple theoretical expressions for the open-circuit voltage and the efficiency of a solar cell. All calculated current-voltage equations are corroborated with numerical simulations.
Author: Aditya N. Roy Choudhury
Language: English
Subfield: Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4408563654