A cost analysis of photovoltaic technologies under Jamaica´S climatic conditions

With the spiraling cost of imported fossil fuels and high values of insolation, the Caribbean region hopes that photovoltaic (PV) technologies will provide a more cost effective and secure energy solution. PV performance parameters are given under Standard Test Conditions (STC). Since STC is never realised under normal operational conditions (NOC) within Jamaica´s climate, it is essential that we investigate the actual performance characteristics and the most cost effective technology for Jamaica. We present the results of energy delivered by 8 commercially available PV modules under NOC and hence determine the levelised cost per kWh delivered over their average warranted lifetimes.