A reference-module-based procedure for outdoor estimation of crystalline silicon PV module peak power

• Published in: Progress in photovoltaics Vol. 14; no. 1; pp. 77 - 87
• Main Authors: Nofuentes, G., Aguilera, J., Santiago, R. L., de la Casa, J., Hontoria, L.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Chichester, UK John Wiley & Sons, Ltd 01.01.2006; Wiley
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Energy; Equipments, installations and applications; Exact sciences and technology; Natural energy; outdoors testing and measurement; Photovoltaic conversion; PV module; qualification and testing; Solar energy; Crystalline material; Uncertainty; Power measurement; outdoors testing and measurement; Solar energy; Photovoltaic array; qualification and testing; Testing equipment; Silicon; PV module; Peak power
• ISSN: 1062-7995; 1099-159X; 1099-159X
• DOI: 10.1002/pip.636

This paper introduces a procedure for the determination of the maximum power in STC of crystalline silicon PV modules using natural sunlight and conventional testing and measurement equipment. The key idea consists of using a reference module calibrated by an accredited independent laboratory which helps both correct deviations in the measurement of the peak power of the module under test and make a quantitative statement of the uncertainty of this result. The required tasks and calculations are easy to perform, despite the apparent complexity of the equations. Some experimental data gathered over all four seasons validate the procedure. Then, an actual example is presented to make it easier the use of the procedure. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.