Identification of Photovoltaic Array Model Parameters by Robust Linear Regression Methods

The aim of this paper is to propose an approach for photovoltaic (PV) sources modeling based on robust least squares linear regression (LSR) parameter identification method. On the basis of experimental data of solar irradiance, cell temperature and voltage and currents at maximum power points for a given PV array, correlation functions among the considered quantities are defined. By implementing these functions in a Matlab® Simulink model, accurate I-V characteristics for the considered array are obtained, managing only the solar irradiance. The method is validated comparing the computed and the experimental maximum power points (MPPs). Its effectiveness is proven to be better with respect of parameter identification methods based on discrete approaches and standard LSR method.