Characterization Of Solar Cell I-V Curves Under Varying Conditions

The increasing demand for sustainable energy solutions has positioned solar energy as a key player in the global transition to renewable energy. Central to solar energy technology is the photovoltaic (PV) cell, whose performance is best characterized by its current-voltage (I-V) curve. This project investigates the behavior of a monocrystalline solar cell under varying environmental conditions—specifically light intensity, temperature, and partial shading—using natural sunlight as the illumination source. The study employs a systematic experimental setup to capture I-V data across different scenarios, allowing for the extraction and comparison of key parameters such as short-circuit current (Isc), open-circuit voltage (Voc), maximum power point (Pmpp), fill factor (FF), and efficiency. Results reveal significant sensitivity of solar cell output to light intensity and temperature, with notable non-linear effects under shading. The findings are valuable for optimizing PV system performance in real-world outdoor settings and contribute to the broader understanding of solar energy behavior under dynamic environmental influences.