Abstract
There is need to always obtain the realistic outdoor performance variables of Photovoltaic (PV) module in a location for efficient PV power system sizing and design. Outdoor performance evaluation was carried out on three types of commercially available silicon PV modules rated 10 W each, using CR1000 software-based Data Acquisition System (DAS). The PV modules under test and meteorological sensors were installed on a metal support structure at the same test plane.The data monitoring was from 08.00 to 18.00 hours each day continuously for a period of one year, from December 2014 to November 2015. Maximum values of module efficiencies of 5.86% and 10.91% for the monocrystalline and polycrystalline modules were respectively recorded at irradiance of 375 W/m2, while the amorphous efficiency peaked at 3.61 % with irradiance of 536.5 W/m2. At 1000 W/m2 the efficiencies reduced to 3.30 %, 6.20 % and 2.25 % as against manufacturer’s specifications of 46 %, 48 % and 33 % for the monocrystalline, polycrystalline and amorphous modules respectively. The maximum power output achieved for the modules at irradiance of 1000 W/m2 were 0.711 W, 1.323 W and 0.652 W for the monocrystalline, polycrystalline and amorphous PV modules, respectively. Accordingly, Module Performance Ratios for the PV modules investigated were 0.07, 0.13 and 0.07, respectively. The rate of variation of module response variables with irradiance and temperature was determined using a linear statistical model given as Y= a + bHg+ c Tmod. The approach performed creditably when compared with measured data.
Highlights
The need to characterise and evaluate the performance of photovoltaic modules in order to ensure optimal performance and technical quality in photovoltaic power systems has been pointed out [1]
Module efficiency for the three module types are seen to decrease steadily as solar irradiance increased with maximum value of 5.86% and 10.91% for the monocrystalline and polycrystalline respectively recorded at irradiance of 375 W/m2 while the amorphous efficiency peaked at irradiance of 536.5 W/m2 with the value of 3.61 %
These maximum values decreased steadily with increased irradiance and at 1000 W/m2 the efficiency reduced to 3.30 %, 6.20 % and 2.25 % as against manufacturer’s specifications of 46 %, 48 % and 33 % for the monocrystalline, polycrystalline and amorphous respectively
Summary
The need to characterise and evaluate the performance of photovoltaic modules in order to ensure optimal performance and technical quality in photovoltaic power systems has been pointed out [1]. The rate of decrease of output power with temperature for a particular locality ought to be understood and the loss factor for each module type in every location established. These loss factors need to be documented and applied in order to effectively estimate system output and sizing before installation. This will lead to the design and installation of efficient PV power system that is reliable, dependable and durable. The US has effectively established and documented loss factors for all losses affecting PV power systems for all PV module types and for every location
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