Max Power of a Polycrystalline Silicon Solar Module

by Jaynil Patel

Submitted : Fall 2016

In recent years solar energy has started to make its impact in the sunshine state. Solar panels are made up of photovoltaic cells, which convert the sun’s rays into electricity. One of the ways to improve solar panels efficiency is to modify a solar collector to increase solar output. The maximum power is calculated by determining the maximum power for voltage and current. This is done by adding the maximum value for the equation for power and then using differentiation. After the maximum values are found for each hour of the day from sunset to noon, each individual quantity of maximum voltage, current, and power is graphed as a function of the time of day. The results were not surprising because the sun gives off the most photons of light at noon meaning this time would be the max for power, current, and voltage. To make the solar panel work at it’s greatest power a controller has been used to maximize its efficiency.

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