How changes in worldwide operating conditions affect solar cell performance
Peters IM, Buonassisi T (2021)
Publication Type: Journal article
Publication year: 2021
Journal
Book Volume: 220
Pages Range: 671-679
DOI: 10.1016/j.solener.2021.01.017
Abstract
In field operation, solar cells are exposed to constantly changing operating conditions. These changing conditions have an impact on energy yield. Present-day yield predictions mostly use linear correction coefficients derived from lab experiments. These corrections neglect interactions between meteorological parameters like temperature and humidity. In this study, we reverse this approach by analyzing simulated solar cell performance under varying conditions worldwide. We use meteorological data measured between 2006 and 2015 to establish trends in the development of meteorological conditions and solar cell performance. From these two trends, we obtain linear correlation coefficients. The obtained implied temperature coefficient, on average, has a value of −0.52 ± 0.03%/K. This value is 15% higher than the tabulated temperature coefficient (−0.45%/K) used in the simulation, demonstrating the impact of coinciding meteorological factors. Light absorption due to elevated humidity levels is likely the strongest contributor to the deviation. One application of these findings is a projection of how today's crystalline silicon solar panels would perform due to rising temperature at the end of the 21st century. Using the established implied temperature coefficient, we project performance reductions of between 0.7% and 2.5%, depending on the warming scenario. The effect is reduced in higher efficient, upcoming photovoltaic technologies, providing further motivation to develop and improve these solar cells.
Involved external institutions
United States (USA) (US)How to cite
APA:
Peters, I.M., & Buonassisi, T. (2021). How changes in worldwide operating conditions affect solar cell performance. Solar Energy, 220, 671-679. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.solener.2021.01.017
MLA:
Peters, Ian Marius, and Tonio Buonassisi. "How changes in worldwide operating conditions affect solar cell performance." Solar Energy 220 (2021): 671-679.
BibTeX: Download