Georeferenced operating-efficiency solar potential maps with local weather conditions – An application to Brazil

Abstract

The operating efficiency of photovoltaic solar cells depends on local meteorological conditions, varying significantly throughout large territories. As traditional solar potential maps present only solar resources, the impact of temperature on photovoltaic solar cells efficiency losses emerges as an important issue in the analysis of solar energy potentials. We developed an approach that accounts for temperature when determining solar energy potentials in large territories, using Brazil as a case study given its continental size, amplitude of meteorological conditions and high levels of solar irradiation. Our method is based on simple mathematical models for operating efficiency and temperature, applied to six commercial photovoltaic technologies in real local conditions and for distinct mounting arrangements. Results show that the real efficiency of photovoltaic solar cells can be reduced by up to 15% in the hottest hot-spot place, with much lower efficiency reduction values observed in places with more favorable operating conditions. Results also indicate that monocrystalline and thin film solar technologies are more appropriate for warmer locations. The method here developed can be easily applied to other regions of the globe and also to other commercial technologies.