Characterization, traceability, and uncertainty estimation of reference solar panel module measurements using pulsed solar simulators and reference solar cells

Abstract

This paper presents the design, characterization, and traceability of reference solar panel modules for determining the performance of photovoltaic (PV) modules at standard test conditions (STC). The research introduces an advanced experimental system based on a class AAA pulsed solar simulator to measure the radiometric, electrical performances, and efficiency of PV modules. I-V/P characteristics of three PV modules at different STCs and the associated uncertainty budget of the system were estimated. I-V characteristic and associated parameters including Isc, Voc, Pmax, FF, and efficiency were measured. The radiometric and electrical traceability were discussed, and the relative expanded combined uncertainties were concluded to be 1.62 % (Isc), 0.42 % (Voc), 2.05 % (Pmax), and 2.5% (η), with a coverage factor k = 2. Reference solar panel modules were also used on-site to test the performance of large PV panels, and the results are reported.