Specific energy yield comparison between crystalline silicon and amorphous silicon based PV modules

Toby Ferenczi; Omar Stern; Marianne Hartung; Eike Mueggenburg; Mark Lynass; Eva Bernal; Oliver Mayer; Marcus Zettl

doi:10.1117/12.825061

20 August 2009 Specific energy yield comparison between crystalline silicon and amorphous silicon based PV modules

Toby Ferenczi, Omar Stern, Marianne Hartung, Eike Mueggenburg, Mark Lynass, Eva Bernal, Oliver Mayer, Marcus Zettl

Proceedings Volume 7410, Optical Modeling and Measurements for Solar Energy Systems III; 74100K (2009) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.825061
Event: SPIE Solar Energy + Technology, 2009, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

As emerging thin-film PV technologies continue to penetrate the market and the number of utility scale installations substantially increase, detailed understanding of the performance of the various PV technologies becomes more important. An accurate database for each technology is essential for precise project planning, energy yield prediction and project financing. However recent publications showed that it is very difficult to get accurate and reliable performance data of theses technologies. This paper evaluates previously reported claims the amorphous silicon based PV modules have a higher annual energy yield compared to crystalline silicon modules relative to their rated performance. In order to acquire a detailed understanding of this effect, outdoor module tests were performed at GE Global Research Center in Munich. In this study we examine closely two of the five reported factors that contribute to enhanced energy yield of amorphous silicon modules. We find evidence to support each of these factors and evaluate their relative significance. We discuss aspects for improvement in how PV modules are sold and identify areas for further study further study.

Citation Download Citation

Toby Ferenczi, Omar Stern, Marianne Hartung, Eike Mueggenburg, Mark Lynass, Eva Bernal, Oliver Mayer, and Marcus Zettl "Specific energy yield comparison between crystalline silicon and amorphous silicon based PV modules", Proc. SPIE 7410, Optical Modeling and Measurements for Solar Energy Systems III, 74100K (20 August 2009); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.825061

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