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Title: Output variation of the photovoltaic modules with environmental factors. I: The effect of spectral solar radiation on photovoltaic module output

Journal Article · · Solar Energy

In this study, it was investigated how changes in spectral solar radiation effects the output of photovoltaic modules. First, there was a precise examination of the seasonal changes in spectral solar radiation. Consequently, it was found that the ratio of spectral solar radiation available for solar cell utilization, to global solar radiation, changes from season to season. It varied, from 5% for polycrystalline silicon cells, to 14% for amorphous silicon cells, throughout one year. Obviously a cell made from amorphous silicon is more severely effected by seasonal variations. Next, the seasonal changes of photovoltaic module output were examined. The output was calculated by the conventional output evaluation method using irradiance and cell temperature. This calculated value and the subsequently measured value were accumulated and the two values compared. As a result, the accumulated output of photovoltaic modules was confirmed as changing seasonally in the same way as spectral solar radiation. 6 refs., 9 figs., 2 tabs.

OSTI ID:
414967
Journal Information:
Solar Energy, Vol. 55, Issue 6; Other Information: PBD: 1995
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English