= Maximum power point
{title2=$P_{\max}=V_{\rm mp}I_{\rm mp}$}
The maximum power point is the operating <voltage> $V_{\rm mp}$ and output <electric current> $I_{\rm mp}$ at which a source delivers its largest electrical <power>, $P_{\rm max}=V_{\rm mp}I_{\rm mp}$. It is found along the device's current–voltage curve under specified illumination and <temperature>.
For a smooth solar-cell output curve written with delivered current positive, an interior maximum satisfies $d(VI)/dV=I+V\,dI/dV=0$. The <short-circuit current> and open-circuit <voltage> are useful endpoints but neither delivers power, because one factor is zero at each endpoint. Changing illumination or <temperature> moves the maximum power point, motivating <maximum power point tracking> in the connected power converter.
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