Power loss in photovoltaic arrays due to mismatch in cell characteristics

Abstract Variations in the current-voltage characteristics of photovoltaic cells can lead to significant power loss “due to mismatch” when the cells are connected together in a network. This study explores how this mismatch loss depends on variations in max-power current and max-power voltage from cell to cell. An analysis of a series string is first performed. Losses in a parallel string are also determined. Estimates of mismatch losses in more complex arrays are then obtained. In addition to generally excellent comparison with several numerical studies, results show that, for a series string, there exists a critical magnitude of deviation in cell max-power current beyond which the power loss due to mismatch is sensitive to both the number of cells placed in series and the shape of the probability density function defining variations in max-power current. This critical level also depends on the cell fill-factor.