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This workflow guides you through creating a new module specification using values from a manufacturer datasheet. PlantPredict automatically generates the Single Diode Model parameters from the basic electrical characteristics you provide.

Overview

The Enter Basic Data option is the fastest way to create a module when you have a standard manufacturer datasheet with STC ratings and temperature coefficients. Prerequisites: Manufacturer datasheet with STC ratings and temperature coefficients

Required Datasheet Values

Before starting, locate the following values on your module datasheet:
ParameterTypical Location on Datasheet
Cell technology and cell countPhysical specifications section
Maximum Power (Pmax)Electrical characteristics at STC
Open Circuit Voltage (Voc)Electrical characteristics at STC
Short Circuit Current (Isc)Electrical characteristics at STC
Voltage at Max Power (Vmp)Electrical characteristics at STC
Current at Max Power (Imp)Electrical characteristics at STC
Temperature coefficient of PmaxTemperature characteristics
Temperature coefficient of VocTemperature characteristics
Temperature coefficient of IscTemperature characteristics

Workflow

1

Navigate to the Module Library

Click Modules in the Sidebar Navigation to open the Module Library.
2

Open the Add New Module Dialog

Click Add New Module at the top of the Module Library. See Add New Module for details on all available options.
3

Select Enter Basic Data

Click Enter Basic Data to open the module generator form.
4

Enter General Characteristics

Select the appropriate values for:
  • Cell Technology — Match the technology type on the datasheet (e.g., n-type mono c-Si, p-type mono c-Si PERC)
  • Number of Cells in Series — Enter the cell count from the datasheet
  • Model Type — Use 1-Diode for crystalline silicon; use 1-Diode Recombination for CdTe (see Single Diode Model)
5

Enter Electrical Data at STC

Enter the following values from the datasheet’s STC electrical characteristics:
  • Maximum Power (Pmax in W)
  • Open Circuit Voltage (Voc in V)
  • Short Circuit Current (Isc in A)
  • Voltage at Max Power (Vmp in V)
  • Current at Max Power (Imp in A)
As you enter values, the I-V curve preview updates in real-time. Verify the curve shape appears reasonable before proceeding.
6

Enter Temperature Coefficients

Enter the temperature coefficients from the datasheet:
  • Power Temperature Coefficient (%/°C) — typically negative
  • Voc Temperature Coefficient (%/°C) — typically negative
  • Isc Temperature Coefficient (%/°C) — typically positive
See Temperature Coefficients for details on how these affect module performance.
7

(Optional) Fine-Tune Advanced Parameters

Click Show Advanced Fine Tuning Options to adjust:
  • 1-Diode Parameters — Series resistance, shunt resistance, recombination parameters
  • Effective Irradiance Response (EIR) — Low-light performance tuning
Use Optimize to match EIR if you have manufacturer-provided efficiency data at multiple irradiance levels.
8

Generate the Module

Click Generate Module to create the module file with calculated single diode parameters. The Module File editor opens for final review.
9

Review and Complete Module Details

In the Module File editor:
  • Add Name, Manufacturer, and Model information
  • Review generated parameters across all tabs
  • Enter any additional data (physical dimensions, bifaciality, spectral response) if available
10

Save the Module

Click Save Module to save to your Module Library with Draft Private status. After validation, consider changing the status to Active to make it available to your organization.