See Solar Physics Come Alive
Real-Time Curves
Watch V-I and P-V curves update instantly as you adjust parameters. See the operating point move across the curves and the maximum power point shift with changing conditions.
Full Parameter Control
Adjust irradiance (0–1200 W/m²), temperature (−40°C to +80°C), series resistance, and shunt resistance. Understand how each parameter affects cell performance.
Performance Metrics
Display of Voc, Isc, Vmpp, Impp, Fill Factor, and maximum power. See how efficiency changes with environmental conditions and device parameters.
Multiple Presets
Compare silicon, CdTe, and environmental scenarios (hot day, cloudy conditions). Understand material differences and real-world operating points.
Physics-Based Model
Single-diode equivalent circuit with temperature-dependent calculations. Accurate representation of real PV cell behavior grounded in semiconductor device physics.
Educational Content
Parameter tooltips, circuit diagrams, mathematical equations, and guided learning paths. Designed by a researcher for maximum pedagogical value.
Why Learn PV Physics This Way?
Traditional textbooks show static curves. This tool makes the relationship between conditions and performance immediately visible. You don't just learn that temperature affects voltage — you see it, feel it, understand it intuitively.
Designed for Multiple Audiences
📚 Students
Learn PV fundamentals through interactive exploration. See cause-and-effect relationships in real time. Develop intuition before diving into equations.
👨🏫 Educators
Classroom demonstrations that engage students visually. Pre-lab tool for hands-on courses. Free, shareable, no installation required.
🔬 Researchers
Quick parameter exploration and sensitivity analysis. Compare materials and understand device physics intuitively before detailed simulations.
⚙️ Engineers
Build physical intuition for system design. Understand how cell parameters propagate to system-level performance. Educational foundation for optimization work.
Built on Solid Physics & Engineering
⚛️ Physics Model
- Single-diode equivalent circuit (industry standard)
- Newton-Raphson solver for implicit I-V relationship
- Temperature-dependent bandgap and saturation current
- Photocurrent scaling with irradiance and temperature
- Series and shunt resistance effects
💻 Technology Stack
- Pure HTML/CSS/JavaScript — no build process
- Chart.js for real-time curve visualization
- Responsive design (desktop, tablet, mobile)
- Dark/light theme support
- <100ms curve update latency
📊 Outputs
- V-I curves with operating point overlay
- P-V curves with maximum power point
- Performance metrics (6 key parameters)
- Interactive circuit diagram
- Real-time calculations as you adjust inputs
🎯 Parameters
- Irradiance: 0–1200 W/m² (1000 = standard test)
- Temperature: −40°C to +80°C
- Series Resistance: 0–5 Ω·cm²
- Shunt Resistance: 100–100,000 Ω·cm²
- 4 material presets (Si, CdTe, + conditions)
Accessible Physics for Everyone
A professional-grade educational tool that bridges the gap between textbook theory and practical understanding. No login, no cost, no barriers — just physics, instantly accessible.
Ready to Explore?
Launch the simulator and start experimenting with solar cell physics. Discover how temperature, light, and device properties shape performance.
Open the Simulator →