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Reference conditions for reporting terrestrial photovoltaic performance

Conference · · Proc. Annu. Meet. - Am. Sect. Int. Sol. Energy Soc.; (United States)
OSTI ID:6378041

The subject of performance reference conditions for terrestrial photovoltaic array measurememts is developed in a manner which provides quantitative selection criteria for the choice of reference solar spectrum, irradiance level and solar cell temperature. In addition to providing a repeatable reference for performance comparisons, it is shown that the choice of reference conditions directly controls the accuracy of array energy output prediction calculations. The accuracy of energy output calculations based on commonly used reference conditions is examined for a variety of array types and site locations in the US using tapes of hourly solar irradiance and temperature measurements in conjunction with solar spectrum models. Conclusions are drawn relative to the accuracy associated with present reference conditions, and recommendations are made concerning alternative reference conditions with improved accuracy.

Research Organization:
Jet Propulsion Lab., Pasadena, CA
OSTI ID:
6378041
Report Number(s):
CONF-800604-P3
Journal Information:
Proc. Annu. Meet. - Am. Sect. Int. Sol. Energy Soc.; (United States), Journal Name: Proc. Annu. Meet. - Am. Sect. Int. Sol. Energy Soc.; (United States) Vol. 3.2; ISSN PMSID
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English