An Effective Single Solar Cell Equivalent Circuit Model for Two or More Solar Cells Connected in Series

We report on the development of a simplified single solar cell equivalent circuit model which describes two or more solar cells that are connected in series with the device parameters of a single effective solar cell. The model depends only on the voltage that is applied to the device, and effective device parameters can be calculated from subcell parameters. The constraints for the applicability of the effective model are discussed. The effective model is applicable if it is possible to determine its effective diode parameters-either by calculation or by extraction from data.