What is the relationship between current and irradiance in a PV system?

In a photovoltaic (PV) system, the relationship between current and irradiance is directly proportional. This means that as the irradiance, or the amount of sunlight hitting the solar panels, increases, the current produced by the PV system also increases.

This relationship is fundamental to the operation of solar panels. The photovoltaic effect, which is the process that converts light energy into electrical energy, relies on the energy from photons present in sunlight. When more photons hit the solar cells due to higher irradiance, more electrons are excited and free to flow, resulting in a higher output current. Thus, a PV system will generate more current under conditions of higher solar irradiance.

Conversely, when irradiance decreases, the number of free electrons available to generate current also decreases, leading to a lower current output. This correlation is important for understanding solar energy production and for system design, as it allows for predictions of performance based on varying sunlight conditions.