Photovoltaic system simulation using a standard electronic circuit simulator

An approach to photovoltaic (PV) system simulation is presented based on the use of SPICE instead of using a specifically developed software package. SPICE models for PV cells, PV modules, lead-acid batteries and the rest of the main components of a PV system have been developed. A simulation example of a stand-alone PV system including measured irradiance data as an input is used to show some of the possibilities inherent in such an approach. Greater flexibility, quick access to all voltages and currents within the system and a simpler way of interfacing with standard electronic components are the main conclusions to be drawn from this work.