Spectrum Sensitivity, Energy Yield, and Revenue Prediction of PV Modules

Predictive performance comparison has been made for four types of photovoltaics (PV) modules: cadmium telluride, multicrystalline silicon, copper indium gallium selenide, and monocrystalline silicon. Representative spectral response and nameplate specifications were used to determine the performance under operating conditions in Albuquerque, NM, USA. Hour-by-hour spectra were derived via archived meteorological data. Use of this modeled spectra enables sensitivity analysis of the energy yield and revenue potential of competing PV module types and determination of new target spectra for future design optimization.