Summary The objective of this paper is to compare the performances of different photovoltaic (PV) array configurations (series, parallel, series‐parallel, total‐cross‐tied, bridge‐linked, and honey comb) and proposed hybrid configurations (series parallel–total cross tied, bridge linked–total cross tied, honey comb–total cross tied, and bridge linked–honey comb) under artificial and realistic partial shading conditions. The performances of all these configurations have been compared on the basis of their maximum powers, fill factors, thermal voltages, and relative power losses. Different PV array configurations have also been compared on the basis of other significant factors (faults, limitations of specific parameters of the PV system, and cost). The single‐diode model of PV module is considered in this paper for modelling of PV module. The obtained results of different PV array configurations give beneficial knowledge regarding the performances of these configurations for several shading patterns and assist to choose the most satisfactory configuration for a particular shading pattern.

This paper proposes an improved generalized method for evaluation of parameters, modeling, and simulation of photovoltaic modules. A new concept "Level of Improvement" has been proposed for evaluating unknown parameters of the nonlinear I-V equation of the single-diode model of PV module at any environmental condition, taking the manufacturer-specified data at Standard Test Conditions as inputs. The main contribution of the new concept is the improvement in the accuracy of values of evaluated parameters up to various levels and is based on mathematical equations of PV modules. The proposed evaluating method is implemented by MATLAB programming and, for demonstration, by using the values of parameters of the I-V equation obtained from programming results, a PV module model is build with MATLAB. The parameters evaluated by the proposed technique are validated with the datasheet values of six different commercially available PV modules (thin film, monocrystalline, and polycrystalline) at Standard Test Conditions and Nominal Operating Cell Temperature Conditions. The module output characteristics generated by the proposed method are validated with experimental data of FS-270 PV module. The effects of variation of ideality factor and resistances on output characteristics are also studied. The superiority of the proposed technique is proved.

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