Comparative modelling and parameter extraction of a single- and two-diode model of a solar cell

In this paper, a parameter extraction technique of a single- and a two-diode photovoltaic (PV) solar cell models using MATLAB/Simulink are presented. To reduce the computational time, the proposed method uses an accurate iterational technique and limits the inputs to four parameters, which are normally provided by the manufacturers´ datasheets. Derived models are validated by plotting their I-V characteristics and compared to a photovoltaic (PV) cell under variable conditions of solar irradiance and temperature. The main contribution of this work is to validate the utilization of the two-diode model as a better representative model of a PV cell. This is important particularly at low levels of solar irradiance and temperature.