The Impact of the Surface Temperature and Light Intensity on the Performance of Photovoltaic Cells

Purpose: To present the research results describing the impact of temperature and sunlight intensity on the efficiency of solar photovoltaic cells of various types. To compare the characteristics of silicon and thin-film photovoltaic materials and to identify the most resistant materials for the photovoltaic cells. To analyse their feasibility in various climatic conditions. To assess the energy efficiency of solar photovoltaics made of silicon and thin-film materials of different types. A new method has been tested for the calculation of voltage characteristics (WAC), the level of influence of solar element surface temperature (SE) and the sunlight intensity, as well as the values of serial (Rs) and parallel (Rsh) resistances associated with losses and leakage of currents. Methods: Methods of comparative analysis and graphical visualization were used. They helped to make conclusions and recommendations, as well as justify the choice of materials for manufacturing solar cells based on the “energy efficiency” indicator. Practical significance: The results of the presented studies make it possible to select photovoltaic cell materials when using unconventional solar energy instead of traditional when providing electrical power to certain facilities including railway facilities, which makes it possible to implement the principle of energy conservation at any facility for the implementation of the results obtained.