Thin film silicon photovoltaic module performance assessment
This report evaluates the performance through December, 1986 of 15 commercially-available thin film silicon-hydrogen alloy PV modules manufactured by ARCO Solar, Chronar, ECD/Sovonics, and Solarex. Advances in the technology are indicated by the performance improvements associated with each generation of thin film silicon-hydrogen alloy PV modules introduced to the commercial market. Mounted at a 30 degree tilt facing due south, all of the thin film PV modules under evaluation have experienced decreased efficiency and fill factor on initial sun exposure. Midday efficiency tends to be highest during the summer and lowest during the winter. The seasonal change in midday air mass from 1.0 during the summer to 1.4 during the winter is among the factors that counteract the temperature effects and cause lowered efficiency and fill factor values during the winter.
- Research Organization:
- Pacific Gas and Electric Company, San Ramon, CA 94583
- OSTI ID:
- 5255419
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-870116-
- Journal Information:
- AIP Conf. Proc.; (United States), Vol. 157:1; Conference: International conference on stability of amorphous silicon alloy materials and devices, Palo Alto, CA, USA, 28 Jan 1987
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
PHOTOVOLTAIC CELLS
EFFICIENCY
PERFORMANCE TESTING
SILICON
AMORPHOUS STATE
COMMERCIAL SECTOR
HYDROGENATION
INHIBITION
SUN
THIN FILMS
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
DIRECT ENERGY CONVERTERS
ELEMENTS
FILMS
MAIN SEQUENCE STARS
PHOTOELECTRIC CELLS
SEMIMETALS
STARS
TESTING
140501* - Solar Energy Conversion- Photovoltaic Conversion