Web-Based Solar Cell Simulation Tool for Technical Education: Comprehensive Multiparameter Analysis Platform
Abstract
This study presents the design and validation of an interactive web-based photovoltaic simulation tool developed for engineering and technical education. Built with modern web technologies, the platform enables real-time exploration of solar cell behavior under dynamically adjustable operating conditions, including irradiance, temperature, series and shunt resistance, load variations, and spectral filtering. The system incorporates a single-diode physical model and an optimized Newton–Raphson solver, providing high numerical accuracy while preserving real-time responsiveness. The simulation includes a comparative multi-material parameter framework covering crystalline silicon, amorphous silicon, germanium, indium arsenide, and gallium nitride cells. Fifteen simulated scenarios validated fundamental PV trends, including the linear scaling of short-circuit current with irradiance and the negative temperature dependence of open-circuit voltage. Output parameters—such as I–V/P–V curves and efficiency—were visualized using high-resolution Chart.js graphics and animated carrier-flow representations to enhance conceptual understanding. The system features a 10-item assessment module aligned with Bloom’s Revised Taxonomy to measure learning outcomes in semiconductor physics and photovoltaic analysis. By functioning as a digital laboratory that reduces experimental barriers, the platform supports outcome-based engineering education and is well-suited to renewable energy curricula and simulation studies.
Keywords
Solar cell simulation, Photovoltaic performance, Semiconductor modeling, Newton-Raphson
Ethical Statement
In this study, the authors undertake that they comply with all the rules within the scope of the “Higher Education Institutions Scientific Research and Publication Ethics Directive” and that they do not take any of the actions under the heading “Actions Contrary to Scientific Research and Publication Ethics” of the relevant directive.
References
- D. Raimi and R. G. Newell, Global energy outlook comparison methods: 2023 update, Resources for the Future. (2024). Accessed: Aug. 14, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://media.rff.org/documents/Methodology_for_Report_23-02.pdf.
- A. Smets, K. Jäger, O. Isabella, R. Van Swaaij, and M. Zeman, Solar Energy: The physics and engineering of photovoltaic conversion, technologies and systems. London, UK: Bloomsbury Publishing, 2016.
- Y. Zou, F. Kuek, W. Feng, and X. Cheng, “Digital learning in the 21st century: trends, challenges, and innovations in technology integration,” Front. Educ., vol. 10, pp. 1562391, 2025, doi: 10.3389/feduc.2025.1562391.
- S. Du and W. Y. Yin, “Basis of Photoelectric Detection Technology,” in Photodetection and Image Sensing Techniques, Singapore: Springer Nature Singapore, 2025, pp. 1–41, doi: 10.1007/978-981-97-7634-4_1.
- Z. Li, X. Jin, C. Yuan, and K. Wang, “Photon Detector Technology for Laser Ranging: A Review of Recent Developments,” Coatings, vol. 15, no. 7, pp. 798, 2025, doi: 10.3390/coatings15070798.
- H. Wang et al., “Photomechanically accelerated degradation of perovskite solar cells,” Energy Environ. Sci., vol. 18, no. 5, pp. 2254–2263, 2025, doi: 10.1039/D4EE03842B.
- J. Han et al., “Perovskite solar cells,” Nat. Rev. Methods Primers, vol. 5, no. 1, pp. 3, 2025, doi: 10.1038/s43586-024-00368-2.
- J. A. Anitha, “Revolutionizing Education: The Multifaceted Role of Cloud in Modern e-Learning Environment,” in Cloud Computing for Smart Education and Collaborative Learning, Boca Raton, FL, USA: Chapman and Hall/CRC, 2025, pp. 286–298, doi: 10.1201/9781003440628-15.
- M. Aghaei et al., “Physics of solar cells: Spectral nature of the solar current,” in Spectral Characteristics of Solar Radiation, Elsevier, 2025, pp. 211–245, doi: 10.1016/B978-0-443-18670-7.00009-8.
- Y. Chaibi, A. Allouhi, M. Malvoni, M. Salhi, and R. Saadani, “Solar irradiance and temperature influence on the photovoltaic cell equivalent-circuit models,” Sol. Energy, vol. 188, pp. 1102–1110, 2019, doi: 10.1016/j.solener.2019.07.005.