skip to main content
OSTI.GOV title logo U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Title: Temperature coefficients for PV modules and arrays: Measurement methods, difficulties, and results

Conference ·
OSTI ID:548687

The term temperature coefficient has been applied to several different photovoltaic performance parameters, including voltage, current, and power. The procedures for measuring the coefficient(s) for modules and arrays are not yet standardized, and systematic influences are common in the test methods used to measure them. There are also misconceptions regarding their application. Yet, temperature coefficients, however obtained, play an important role in PV system design and sizing, where often the worst case operating condition dictates the array size. This paper describes effective methods for determining temperature coefficients for cells, modules, and arrays; identifies sources of systematic errors in measurements; gives typical measured values for modules; and provides guidance for their application in system engineering.

Research Organization:
Sandia National Lab. (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Washington, DC (United States)
DOE Contract Number:
AC04-94AL85000
OSTI ID:
548687
Report Number(s):
SAND-97-1169C; CONF-970953-; ON: DE98001183; BR: EB2203000; TRN: AHC29724%%89
Resource Relation:
Conference: 26. IEEE photovoltaic specialists conference, Anaheim, CA (United States), 29 Sep - 3 Oct 1997; Other Information: PBD: [1997]
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English