In the recent work entitled “An efficient analytical approach for obtaining a five parameters model of photovoltaic modules using only reference data” (Appl. Energy 111 (2013) 894–903), Lo Brano and Ciulla (2013) [1] proposed a set of five equations to be used in a resolution procedure for...

One of the most important models to predict the electrical behavior of a photovoltaic (PV) module is the so-called single-diode model. This model is derived from the electrical equivalent circuit formed by a current source in parallel with one diode, a shunt resistor and a series resistor. The...

It is important to drive solar photovoltaic (PV) system to its utmost capacity using maximum power point (MPP) tracking algorithms. This paper presents a direct MPP prediction method for a PV system considering the geometry of the I–V characteristic of a solar cell and a module. In the first...

This review article critically outlines and discusses the main issues of 34 methods which have been developed and validated over the past 35 years in order to determine with an acceptable accuracy and reliability fundamental parameters of solar cells. This review covers methodologies which deal...

This paper proposes a simple behavioural model for photovoltaic modules. This model can be used to characterise current–voltage and power–voltage outputs of photovoltaic modules as a function of solar module temperature and solar radiation intensity. Such a model cannot only serve as a tool...

Predictive performance tools are an important factor in the success of any new technology because they permit demonstration of whether a system will be efficient and economically feasible. A reliable predictive tool should allow the designer to optimise system performance and to maximise the...

A PC-based measuring system is presented for outdoor testing of solar cells and modules under real operating conditions. It consists of a sun-tracked sample holder, different electronic loads (including control), digital multimeters, a PC and a laser printer. Insolation is measured and recorded...

Using solar energy in Romania, not only in Prahova County, presents great development perspectives. Solar energy is considered a primary energy source, free and safe, an investment recoverable in record time and satisfactory to the investor and has countless technological applications, such as...

This paper presents a review study on the effects of sun tracking and cooling systems. So far, many studies (and case studies too) have been analyzed and evaluated in the literature. Existing studies show that sun tracking system is significantly affecting energy generation capacity of...

A linear piezoelectric actuator based solar panel cleaning system is proposed in order to make a solar panel operate at the best power generation state while the solar panel is used in dusty environment. A piezoelectric actuator linearly moving on a guide is employed to drive a wiper fixed on...