Capacitance evolution of PV solar modules under thermal stress

Abstract

The main purpose of this work is the study of the performance of PV modules under influence of thermal stress. Different levels of temperature were applied into the solar cell structure and the C-V characteristic was measured, in passive and active conditions, for using 10 minutes periods of time for each dose of stress. The changes in characteristics, caused the temperature parameter introduced for different stress levels, were monitored. Experimental evidence confirmed that different levels of temperatures are major degrading factor affecting the performance, efficiency, and power of solar cells and modules. The paper contributes to research on the adverse effects of temperature on the capacitance and normal functioning of cells and solar modules.