Performance Evaluation of Various Flat Plate Photovoltaic Modules in Hot and Arid Environment

The present paper reports the results of a simplified method for evaluating the performance of selected photovoltaic (PV) modules in use in Saudi Arabia and makes a comparative assessment at standard reporting conditions. Experimental results, normalized to standard reporting conditions using the tw...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: A.R.M. Alamoud
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Elsevier 2000-01-01
Series:Journal of King Saud University: Engineering Sciences
Online Access:http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1018363918307165
Description
Summary:The present paper reports the results of a simplified method for evaluating the performance of selected photovoltaic (PV) modules in use in Saudi Arabia and makes a comparative assessment at standard reporting conditions. Experimental results, normalized to standard reporting conditions using the two-axis translation I-V model have revealed that all PV module parameters, except Isc, decreased during the period the modules were exposed to outdoor environment. The degradation resulted in a decrease in the module efficiency of 0.22% to 11% depending on the make of the module. Moreover, the measured PV module parameters were found to differ from manufacturer’s specified values yielding a decrease in efficiency. Keywords: PV degradation, Photovoltaic modules, Two-axis translation I-V model, Solar cells
ISSN:1018-3639