Electrical characteristics of solar cells

Each cell, no matter what its size, will produce around. 5 volts - some more, some less, depending on the cell. So, if you took a 5 by 5 cell rated at. 5 volts and 4 amperes of current, and divided that cell into four separate pieces, each smaller piece would still generate. 5 volts. Although the voltage remains the same for each piece, the current output for each would be only about /4 of the original larger section, or about 1 ampere. 

This is an important consideration. Using larger area cells in an ESPM allows you to use fewer cells in each string, which saves time and work when constructing panels, as there are fewer tab and bus connects to solder. 

Other factors that affect the current output of a cell are the amount of sunlight that stimulates the cell, and the temperature of the cell. The amount of sunlight reaching a solar cell will vary from minute to minute due to particulates in the air, moisture, and cloud cover. Daily variations occur due to the changing position of the sun and the angle of the light striking the cells. 

These factors and the seasonal angle variations affect the current output of each cell. Heat also affects cell output. When the temperature of the cells rise, the output decreases. 

---