A simulated study on the performance evaluation of amorphous silicon solar PV module for temperature, irradiance and tilt angle dependence

Abstract

The performance of an amorphous silicon solar PV module is tested at various irradiance levels, operation temperatures and tilt angles using a solar simulator. Electrical efficiency, V-I characteristics and power conditioning curves are generated at various solar irradiance levels of 400, 700 and 1000 W/m2, cell operation temperature range of 40 to 100°C and various panel tilt angles of 0°, 15°, 30°, 45° and 60° with horizontal. Solar equations are used to compute the maximum swing angle of the sun away from the normal position of the panel at noon (l) during different months and latitudes. Analogy between the simulated study and l (for real operation conditions) for polar mounted inclinations of PV panels, winter & summer maximization inclinations of the PV panels and south facing vertical walls/windows for different months of the year and at various latitudes is established and the effect of l on the percent reduction in maximum power produced (Pmp) by the PV solar panel is studied. The tilt angle dependence shows that the panel produces highest Pmp at l = 0° (tilt angle of the panel when the light source is normal to the panel surface). It is also observed that Pmp decreases by about 9%, 14 % and 19% when l is 15°, 30° and 45° respectively as compared to the normal position of the panel. Newton-Raphson’s technique is used to theoretically compute Imp, Vmp & Pmp and compared with the experimental values generated using the solar simulator within less than 5% deviation.