A simple model of a photovoltaic solar cell is a current source, with the current proportional to the amount of sunlight falling on it. A more accurate model includes a diode (a nonlinear element we will see later). There is some leakage current that we can model with a parallel resistor, and there is a voltage drop in the interconnect that we can model with series resistances connecting to the load resistor. So a crude model of a complete system might be the circuit shown below.
In this system we have I = 0.2A, Rp = 3.0Ω, and Rs = 1.8Ω.
You are to determine the load resistance, RL, for which the maximum power is transferred to the load. (Hint: remember your calculus!)
•What is this optimum load resistance (in Ohms)?
•What is the power (in Watts) that is delivered to this best load resistance?
