Local Series Resistance: Why the Model of Independent Diodes Fails and How to Understand Silicon Solar Cells in General by the LR-Rs Concept

The theoretical basics of the series resistance behavior of Si solar cells are reviewed and discussed, with an emphasis on the physical understanding of the linear response (LR) concept and the predominant role of experimental results. From this concept, a general fit model for the variation of the lumped series resistance along the I–V curve is derived. Important consequences of general validity for all series resistance determination methods are discussed, showing why the model of independent diodes is inappropriate for Si solar cells.