A parameter that characterizes the quality of a photovoltaic cell, reflecting the ratio of the actual maximum power output to the theoretical maximum power output. It is derived from the current-voltage (I-V) curve of the solar cell and represents the squareness of the curve. A higher value indicates a more rectangular I-V curve, signifying lower losses due to series resistance, shunt resistance, and other parasitic effects within the cell. For example, a cell with a maximum power point close to the product of its open-circuit voltage and short-circuit current will exhibit a high value.
The magnitude of this dimensionless metric directly impacts the efficiency of converting sunlight into electricity. A higher value means that the cell is able to deliver a greater fraction of the theoretical maximum power, leading to increased energy generation for a given amount of solar irradiation. Historically, improvements in materials science and cell design have focused on maximizing this parameter alongside other critical cell characteristics to enhance the overall performance and cost-effectiveness of solar energy systems.