Indoor characterization of photovoltaic modules under various conditions

Marcus Zettl; Omar Stern; Oliver Mayer; Marianne Hartung; Mark Lynass; Eva Bernal

doi:10.1117/12.797283

11 September 2008 Indoor characterization of photovoltaic modules under various conditions

Marcus Zettl, Omar Stern, Oliver Mayer, Marianne Hartung, Mark Lynass, Eva Bernal

Proceedings Volume 7046, Optical Modeling and Measurements for Solar Energy Systems II; 70460M (2008) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.797283
Event: Solar Energy + Applications, 2008, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

Usually photovoltaic modules are characterized under standard testing conditions by subjecting them to an irradiation of 1000 W/m² with an AM 1.5 spectrum and a cell temperature of 25°C. However, not all modules perform the same under real conditions since their efficiency is strongly affected by environmental fluctuations. To get real operation data, expensive outdoor test are performed. However, for most of the new thin film technologies, these data are not available yet. The experiments were conducted in an indoor solar simulator, which fulfills the requirements of irradiation level and solar spectrum within a homogeneous area of 2 by 2.5 meters. In this contribution we compare different PV modules, including first generation, thin films and emerging technologies, in order to understand their behavior under various conditions. The modules were tested as a function of incident angle and diffused versus direct irradiation. Another aspect that is also taken under consideration is the influence of temperature on the module performance. These measurements are necessary in order to make a correct assessment of energy yield in several geographical locations for residential, commercial and utility applications.

Citation Download Citation

Marcus Zettl, Omar Stern, Oliver Mayer, Marianne Hartung, Mark Lynass, and Eva Bernal "Indoor characterization of photovoltaic modules under various conditions", Proc. SPIE 7046, Optical Modeling and Measurements for Solar Energy Systems II, 70460M (11 September 2008); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.797283

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