Title :
Estimating PV performance over large geographical regions
Author :
Huld, Thomas A. ; Suri, Manan ; Kenny, Robert P. ; Dunlop, E.D.
Author_Institution :
Renewable Energies Unit, DG Joint Res. Center, Ispra, Italy
Abstract :
We present a method for estimating the performance of PV modules over large geographical regions. It uses solar radiation and temperature geospatial data that are modeled in a geographical information system. We employ a relation for the conversion efficiency of crystalline silicon cells at varying irradiance and temperature to obtain values for the loss of efficiency at any location. The method has been applied to the European subcontinent. Results indicate that the relative efficiency of crystalline Si modules varies across Europe with values ranging from 87 to 97% of the conversion efficiency at STC (highest in the North and in mountainous areas).
Keywords :
geographic information systems; solar cells; solar radiation; conversion efficiency; crystalline silicon cells; geographical information system; geographical regions; large geographical regions; photovoltaic performance; solar radiation; temperature geospatial data; Appraisal; Blades; Crystallization; Europe; Information systems; Meteorology; Silicon; Solar radiation; Temperature; Testing;
Conference_Titel :
Photovoltaic Specialists Conference, 2005. Conference Record of the Thirty-first IEEE
Print_ISBN :
0-7803-8707-4
DOI :
10.1109/PVSC.2005.1488470
