Numerical procedure for accurate simulation of photovoltaic modules performance based on the identification of the single-diode model parameters

The current work proposes a novel method for photovoltaic (PV) modules’ performance estimation at various weather conditions based on the extraction of the single-diode model's five parameters. The new modeling technique is not built on any approximations or iterative processes, and this makes the approach combining two substantial benefits in the PV simulation field which are the accuracy of prediction and the rapidity of convergence. Moreover, the method is founded on the resolution of matrix equations based on reduced forms, and that assures its simplicity by avoiding tedious calculations. Indeed, only the mean points of the current–voltage characteristic are employed to get the values of the five parameters by calculating two of them using a numerical resolution of a two non-linear equations’ system. Then, the expressions giving the three last parameters are determined as functions of the two first parameters and regrouped in a matrix equation, which is solved analytically to get the values of these remaining parameters. The productiveness of the proposed method is tested using PV modules of various technologies and proved using eight well-known simulating methods for the one-diode model. Furthermore, the root mean squared errors matching the new method have not exceeded 0.093 A and the obtained convergence time is less than 0.27 s. The results attest to the relevance of the new method for dynamic applications and for PV designers requiring simple modeling techniques.