A method for estimating the optimum load resistance of a silicon solar cell used in terrestrial power applications

Solar intensity undergoes significant changes from dawn to dusk. Further, the power output of a silicon solar cell is a function of the load resistance. A load resistance (R_m) giving maximum conversi n efficiency at mid-day becomes less efficient at other times of the day under reduced intensity levels. The load resistance must be optimised to derive maximum overall power output for the whole day, taking intensity variations into account. A method for estimating the optimum load resistance (R_opt) is presented here. It is also shown that considerable improvement in the output of a terrestrial power system could be achieved at solar intensities 100 MW cm².