A comparison of the performance of different PV module types in temperate climates

Carr, A.J.; Pryor, Trevor

doi:10.1016/j.solener.2003.07.026

Cited by 233 publications

(107 citation statements)

References 12 publications

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“…Methods commonly applied by researchers to monitor and assess a module's electrical performance are current voltage (I-V) and power voltage (P-V) curve scanning (Carr and Pryor, 2004;Gxasheka et al 2005;Ndiaye et al 2014). These curves represent the values of electrical parameters of a module such as maximum power output (P max ), maximum output current (I max ), maximum output voltage (V max ), open circuit voltage (V oc ) and short circuit current (I sc ).…”

Section: Electrical Performance Measurementmentioning

confidence: 99%

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The contribution of dust to performance degradation of PV modules in a temperate climate zone

et al. 2015

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This research investigates the contribution of dust to the long-term performance degradation of various photovoltaic (PV) modules that have been operating for almost eighteen years without any cleaning procedures at the Renewable Energy Outdoor Testing Area (ROTA), Murdoch University, Perth, Australia. A solar module analyser was used to assess the PVs'electrical performance, while a combination of spectrophotometer, scanning electron microscope, electron dispersive spectroscope and X-ray diffraction were used to exam the properties of the dust on the panels. The study found that the degradation of the PV modules' power output, ranged from 19% to 33%. The degradation is mostly due to non-dust related factors such as corrosion, delamination, and discoloration, which account about 71% to 84%, although the contribution of dust is still significant at 16% to 29%. Anova analysis shows that the dust has a fairly uniform impact on the performance degradation of all PV technologies at ROTA. This is in line with the results of spectral transmittance curves for different dust density samples that essentially flat over the wavelength range of the PV modules. An investigation of the properties of dust revealed that dust particles deposited on PV modules' surface at ROTA were dominated by fine particles built of large amounts of quartz (SiO 2 ), followed by calcium oxide (CaO) and some minors of feldspars minerals (KAlSi 3 O 8 ), which are the main factors in transmittance losses that affect PV module performance.

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Section: Electrical Performance Measurementmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Seven PV modules at ROTA,, comprising two mc-Si, three pc-Si and two a-Si, were used in this research. The modules, which are mounted on north-facing racks tilted at Perth's latitude of 32 o (Carr and Pryor, 2004), have been in operation since November 1996 without any cleaning procedures.…”

Section: Electrical Performance Measurementmentioning

confidence: 99%

The contribution of dust to performance degradation of PV modules in a temperate climate zone

et al. 2015

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“…Degradation investigations using indoor methodologies are based on the acquisition of I-V curves and power at STC. The electrical characteristics of PV modules are initially measured at STC and then the modules are either exposed outdoors or indoors through accelerated procedures (Carr & Pryor, 2004;Meyer & van Dyk, 2004;Osterwald et al, 2002). For each investigated PV cell or module the electrical characteristics are regularly acquired using the solar simulator and the current, voltage or power differences from the initial value provide indications of the degradation rates at successive time periods.…”

Section: Pv Degradationmentioning

confidence: 99%

Performance of Photovoltaics Under Actual Operating Conditions

Makrides¹,

Zinßer²,

Norton³

et al. 2012

Third Generation Photovoltaics

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“…A number of studies in the literature [5,12] have reported the defects associated with fielded PV modules as well as in recently installed modules [16,17] using optical and thermal observations. According to IEC 61215 and as reported in the literature [18], the parameters for detecting degradation include defects in insulation and leak currents and visual detection.…”

Section: Low and High Short Circuit Current And Open Circuit Voltagementioning

confidence: 99%

Correlation of Infrared Thermal Imaging Results with Visual Inspection and Current-Voltage Data of PV Modules Installed in Kumasi, a Hot, Humid Region of Sub-Saharan Africa

Takyi

2017

Technologies

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Abstract:In this study, a photovoltaic (PV) modules site installed from 1997 to 2017 (20 years of outdoor exposure) in the hot, humid region of Kumasi, Ghana in Sub-Saharan Africa was selected in order to study the aging phenomenon and rate of degradation due to long-term exposure. The main purpose of this work was to correlate the performance of 14 PV modules using data from infra-red thermal imaging (hot spot tests), current-voltage (I-V) tests and visual inspection. The modules were first visually inspected followed by electrical performance tests using an I-V curve tracer. Hot spot testing of each module was performed to enable further characterization. The results of the visual inspection using the United States National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) checklist did not show any major observable defects. The results also show that the higher the temperature difference in the hot spot tests, the higher the rate of power degradation. Eleven modules failed the hot spot tests according to the criteria indicated in the literature. The average power degradation rate was 1.36%/year, which is above the industry-accepted range of 0.7-1.0%/year. The results provide evidence of a positive correlation between temperature difference and performance parameters such as power degradation (Pdeg), power performance factor (PPF) and power drop (Pdrop). The power performance factor for all 14 modules fell below the average 80% standard set by most manufacturers for modules operating within the 25-year warranty.

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A comparison of the performance of different PV module types in temperate climates

Cited by 233 publications

References 12 publications

The contribution of dust to performance degradation of PV modules in a temperate climate zone

The contribution of dust to performance degradation of PV modules in a temperate climate zone

Performance of Photovoltaics Under Actual Operating Conditions

Correlation of Infrared Thermal Imaging Results with Visual Inspection and Current-Voltage Data of PV Modules Installed in Kumasi, a Hot, Humid Region of Sub-Saharan Africa

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