Comparison of Dynamic Performance of Single- and Multijunction Solar Cells

This letter presents the results of the investigation of transient responses and capacitance values of single- and multijunction solar cells (MJSCs). Two time-domain methods (short-circuit (SC) current decay and open-circuit voltage buildup) were used to estimate capacitance. It is shown that the MJSC exhibits two capacitance values. During transition from open-circuit point to SC point, the capacitance is some hundreds of nanofarads, whereas during reverse transition, the capacitance is about microfarads. The reasons of the capacitance difference are explained. Recommendations on how to use these capacitance values for the sequential switching shunt regulator application are given.