The photovoltaic converter (PVC) is a key device in a power-over-fiber system (PoFS). The aim of the work is to create a digital twin (DT) to predict the behaviour of PVC based on their specification data, which is the first step towards creating a universal DT of the entire PoFS. The paper considers the theoretical principles of operation of PVC using the zone theory of solids. A relationship has been established between the theoretical parameters and specification data of real converters. A five-element equivalent circuit of a PVC has been created and a DT in MATLAB Simulink has been developed on its basis. The dependences of the main parameters of the DT on the optical power at the converter input are calculated. Experiments were carried out on an installation with PVC of the YCH-H6424-15-FC-A brand. The optical powers at which all characteristics of the solar cell coincide with an accuracy of 2% are determined. The discrepancy between the calculated and experimental characteristics with increasing optical power is explained by the fact that the current transfer coefficient decreases at high current strength. This phenomenon is substantiated by the zone theory, but is not taken into account in the DT.