Impact of Air Mass on PV modules Power Generation in Eastern Indian Climatic Zone

Abstract

The PV technology has matured to the gigawatt (GW) level of power generation. Thus, many PV modules are connected in a series-parallel configuration to configure a GW level PV array. Now the vital question of the reliability of such a PV system depends mainly on the performance of the constituent modules (setting aside the reliability consideration arising from the BOS component). Therefore, different climatic parameters directly impact the power output of PV modules. In this research paper, the authors have tried to find out the impacts of climatological parameters like air mass (AM) on the power output as well as the overall performances of different technology PV modules. Mainly crystalline (mono-Si), amorphous silicon (a-Si), and poly-Si photovoltaic (PV) modules are examined thoroughly for different times of three seasons during the year in the eastern Indian climatic zone. Now, for determining the reliability of any PV array or module, mainly the important parameters considered are regression analysis, Fill Factor variation with changing solar irradiation and temperature. After that, the performance ratio and Fill Factor parameters will be evaluated thoroughly under different climatic conditions. Finally, after the exhaustive evaluations of other reliable PV parameters like FF and PR under naturally outdoor conditions, it is established that the poly-Si module shows the best performance in the Eastern Indian climatic zone with varying AM.