PV Gap

Norma Said:

What equation do you use to derive the amount of energy produced from a solar cell?

We Answered:

It's the same as any other source of electric power:

? I*V dt

Where I is the current and V is the voltage.  If voltage and current are constant, E = IV?t

The particulars of I and V are the complicated parts.  The voltage output of a solar cell depends on the incident sunlight, the temperature of the cell AND the current being drawn from it.  Solar panels are rated at a particular temperature and are derated as that temperature rises.

Ironically, you can get more peak power from a silicon PV panel on a sunny sub-zero winter day with snow reflecting light off the ground than you can in direct sun in the summer.