A new model for PV modules angular losses under field conditions

Abstract

Motivated by the significance of optical losses in many photovoltaic (PV) applications, and by the lack of useful tools that allow easy angular performance calculations, this paper presents a new analytical model for reflection losses in PV modules. It is based on the theoretical analysis of the optical characteristics of different commercial PV modules and results in good agreement with the experimental data in all cases. With this new useful tool, optical losses of PV modules under field conditions can be now easily quantified, as it is shown with an example. A strong dependence of optical losses on PV module tilt angle has been obtained, which has special significance in such applications as PV integration in buildings.