LabVIEW Based Simulation System for the Output Characteristics of PV Cells and the Influence of Internal Resistance on It

By using LabVIEW as software, a model of solar cells based on its output characteristic is built. The output characteristics of silicon solar cells and the maximum power point tracking system are simulated under different solar radiations. The influence of the internal resistance to the maximum power point and the fill factor of silicon solar cells are also simulated. The simulation results verify the nonlinear output characteristic of silicon solar cell and the system is proved to be very effective in determining the most appropriate load to stabilize the maximum power point of the cell. It is also proved by the results that the internal resistance is a key factor to the maximum power point and the fill factor of solar cells.