Shunt resistance, also known as parallel resistance, is the resistance between the two terminals of a PV cell. It plays a crucial role in the performance of a PV cell as it determines how much current can flow through the cell. A higher shunt resistance results in a lower current and a lower shunt resistance results in a higher current. So, a lower shunt resistance can reduce the efficiency of a PV cell by decreasing the voltage and increasing the current.
Series resistance, also known as internal resistance, is the resistance within the cell itself. It is caused by the material used in the cell and the connections between cells. A higher series resistance can lead to a decrease in the voltage and an increase in the current, resulting in a decrease in the efficiency of the cell. It can also cause a drop in the overall power output of the PV system.
Shunt resistance can change over time due to various factors such as temperature, humidity, and exposure to light. Higher temperatures can cause an increase in shunt resistance, while higher humidity can cause a decrease. Exposure to light can also affect shunt resistance by changing the properties of the cell's materials. However, these changes are usually small and do not significantly impact the performance of the cell.
Series resistance is not entirely stable in a PV cell as it can change due to factors such as temperature, aging, and manufacturing defects. These changes can result in a decrease in the efficiency of the cell over time. However, modern PV cells are designed with low series resistance to minimize the impact of these changes.
To reduce shunt and series resistance in a PV cell, it is crucial to use high-quality materials and manufacturing processes. These can help minimize the internal resistance of the cell and ensure that it operates at its maximum efficiency. Additionally, proper installation, maintenance, and monitoring can also help identify and address any issues that may arise with shunt and series resistance in a PV cell.
