Mapping the Performance of PV Modules of Different Types

A method is presented for estimating the energy yield of photovoltaic (PV) modules at arbitrary locations in large geographical areas. The method applies a mathematical model for the energy performance of PV modules as a function of in-plane irradiance and module temperature and combines this with solar irradiation estimates from satellite data and ambient temperature values from ground station measurements. The method is applied to three different PV technologies: crystalline silicon, CuInSe2 and CdTe based thin-film technology in order to map their performance in fixed installations across most of Europe and to identify and quantify regional performance factors. The results show that the performance of PV modules may deviate up to 12% from the performance estimated from nominal power, with a clear dependency on geographical location (higher performance in colder climates). It is also found that there is a clear technology dependence of the geographical variation in PV performance.

HULD Thomas;  GOTTSCHALG Ralph;  BEYER Hans Georg;  TOPIC Marko; 

2010-01-28

WIP Renewable Energies, Munich, Germany

JRC50102

https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC50102,