Comparison of the Long Term Performance of Silicon Based Thin Film and Crystalline Modules

The long term outdoor performance of silicon based thin film modules (a-Si and Hybrid) placed on the same rack is studied over a number of years in order to develop a common time-invariant energy rating method. It is found to be more difficult to accurately predict the performance of the thin film modules mainly due to degradation and annealing effects. The modules were characterized indoors using standard measurement methods employing pulsed solar simulators at ESTI. Module I-V curves were measured at frequent intervals during the investigation period of more than 4 years. The present study will contribute to future standards on the energy rating of these module technologies by developing a common procedure for correcting the outdoor data to Standard Test Conditions (STC) and comparing to the indoor data. A seasonal variation in output, higher in the summer and lower in the winter, supports the claim that the module performance improves due to annealing when the module temperature is higher. The difference between the total output energy per month of these technologies and c-Si technology have also been noted.

NIKOLAEVA-DIMITROVA Miglena;  PRAVETTONI Mauro;  KENNY Robert;  DUNLOP Ewan; 

2008-02-01

WIP-Renewable Energies

JRC36372

https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC36372,