Abstract
This paper presents the comparative performance evaluation of three commercially available photovoltaic modules (monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and single junction amorphous silicon) in Taxila, Pakistan. The experimentation was carried out at outdoor conditions for winter months. Power output, module efficiency, and performance ratio were calculated for each module and the effect of module temperature and solar irradiance on these parameters was investigated. Module parameters showed strong dependence on the solar irradiance and module temperature. Monocrystalline and polycrystalline modules showed better performance in high irradiance condition whereas it decreased suddenly with decrease in irradiance. Amorphous solar module also showed good performance in low irradiance due to its better light absorbing characteristics and thus showed higher average performance ratio. Monocrystalline photovoltaic module showed higher monthly average module efficiency and was found to be more efficient at this site. Module efficiency and performance ratio showed a decreasing trend with increase of irradiance and photovoltaic module back surface temperature.
Highlights
The performance testing of PV modules at outdoor conditions is required to have an accurate estimation of output of PV modules under specific climate
The rated values of PV modules provided by the manufacturer are based on the standard test conditions which do not meet operating outdoor conditions due to the varying outdoor parameters [1]
The results showed that CIS module has higher performance ratio while c-Si module has high module efficiency among all the modules tested
Summary
The performance testing of PV modules at outdoor conditions is required to have an accurate estimation of output of PV modules under specific climate. Carr and Pryor [3] evaluated and compared the performance of five different PV modules using an outdoor facility in the climate of Perth for one year They found that amorphous silicon module has highest performance ratio with maximum energy produced at that site. A similar study was conducted at the site of Norway [5] to investigate the performance of three PV modules (monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and triple junction amorphous silicon) They concluded that monocrystalline module was better in terms of module efficiency and overall power production. The aim of present study is to evaluate the performance of commercially available PV modules over the winter months and to analyze the effect of temperature and solar irradiance on their output parameters
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