Internal resistance of a solar cell; strange results?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on measuring the internal resistance of a solar cell using a circuit setup with variable resistors. The user observed that the calculated resistance exceeded the controlled resistance until reaching 35 Ohms, where it dropped below the controlled value. This behavior is attributed to the internal resistance estimation method, which involves analyzing the slope of the I-V curve at high voltage. An open-circuit voltage measurement is recommended for more accurate results.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Ohm's Law (R = V/I)
  • Familiarity with circuit analysis and variable resistors
  • Knowledge of I-V curve characteristics in solar cells
  • Experience with graphing and interpreting electrical data
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  • Research methods for accurately measuring open-circuit voltage in solar cells
  • Learn about I-V curve analysis techniques for solar cell performance
  • Explore the impact of temperature on solar cell internal resistance
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Students and researchers in electrical engineering, solar energy enthusiasts, and anyone involved in the analysis and optimization of solar cell performance.

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Homework Statement


Basically, my task is to find out the internal resistance of a solar cell. I set-up a circuit as seen here (http : / / mt14 . quickshareit . com / share / picture666d18 . png), and measured the Current and Voltage on different settings of resistance in 5Ohm intervals from 0 Ohms to 50 Ohms. Now that I have calculated the resistance from the measured voltage and current, the resistance remains higher that the controlled resistance (on the variable resistor), however at 35 Ohms of controlled resistance, the calculated resistance drops below the controlled resistance. The data can be found here (http : / / mt15 . quickshareit . com / share / picture58258f . png). Is this normal behaviour? Also, what am I to make of these results?

Homework Equations


R = V/I
E = Ir + V
E = V + v
V = (-r) I + E

The Attempt at a Solution


Above, in the attached images. Please note that due to the 15 post requirement before posting links, I have had to place spaces before and after each dot and slash.
 
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The internal resistance is best estimated from the slope of a graph of I vs. V, at the high-V end of the curve. That will at any rate put an upper bound on the resistance, which could conceivably be less than what is calculated this way.

It would have been useful to also do an open-circuit (R=infinity) voltage measurement.
 

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