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The first version of a solar cell simulator specifically designed for the analysis of multijunction solar cells is presented. The simulation program solves the Poisson and continuity equations by using a procedure optimized for multilayer structures. It includes the radiative interband, Shockley-Read-Hall and Auger recombination mechanisms, and computes the generation function of electron-hole pairs from the optical parameters of the cell materials. The dependence of these optical parameters with the photon energy has been included, taking into account the doping level and its effect on bandgap narrowing. The simulator is applied to the analysis of a dualjunction GaInP/GaAs solar cell, obtaining results comparable to experimental data reported by different authors. More advanced versions of the simulator are in progress, with the aim of obtaining a tool useful for optimal design of multijunction solar cells.

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In this paper a control algorithm for battery charger from a solar panel is proposed. This approach takes advantage of the maximum solar radiation received on the solar panel in the early and late hours of the day, because the control algorithm provides the optimum programmed current to the battery in these hours. In order to study and quantify the benefits of maximum current of charge tracking, the control algorithm constantly samples the solar panel output current-voltage under sunny sky conditions. Experimental results of the control algorithm implemented for fixed horizontal solar panel are presented.