  This article addresses the formulation and validation of a simple PC based
software application developed for simulating commercially available solar
panels. The important feature of this application is its capability to produce
speedy results in the form of solar panel output characteristics at given
environmental conditions by using minimal input data. Besides, it is able to
deliver critical information about the maximum power point of the panel at a
given environmental condition in quick succession. The application is based on
a standard equation which governs solar panels and works by means of estimating
unknown parameters in the equation to fit a given solar panel. The process of
parameter estimation is described in detail with the aid of equations and data
of a commercial solar panel. A validation of obtained results for commercial
solar panels is also presented by comparing the panel manufacturers' results
with the results generated by the application. In addition, implications of the
obtained results are discussed along with possible improvements to the
developed software application.
