On correct estimation of hourly power output of solar photovoltaic installations with MJ SCs and sunlight concentrators

Abstract

This paper presents an approach to the correct calculation of the hourly power output of solar photovoltaic installations (SPVI) with multijunction solar cells (MJ SCs) and a sunlight concentrator. The MJ SC efficiency values variations depending on spectral compositions of incident sunlight have been considered. To take into account the effect of the changing SPVI efficiency value on the hourly installation power output calculated, the hourly and yearly sum totals of generated power have been determined.It was shown that the use of the constant efficiency values of MJ SC compared to variable ones leads to an erroneous overstating of the value of SPVI yearly generated power in the range from 6 to 12%, which may affect the correct choice of the optimal structure and parameters of an independent power supply system and its reliability in supplying power to a customer.

Outdoor evaluation of concentrator photovoltaic systems modules from different manufacturers: first results and steps

“…During the day, however, the spectrum changes, and the efficiency and power output of the device change too. Thus, the efficiency of the MJ or CPV modules loses power or efficiency per air mass unit where AM1.5 represents the maximum .…”

The High-Concentrator Photovoltaic Module

“…Because HCPV modules behavior is influenced by the behavior of the multijunctions cells inside, taking into account that these cells are very sensitive to the spectrum of the incident light and due to the importance of the air mass as an indicator of the spectral content of sunlight, it is reasonable to think that air mass should play an important role in the behavior of HCPV modules. Thus, different investigators have analyzed and tried to quantify the influence of air mass on HCPV module behavior [16,[20][21][22][23][24][25].…”

Analysis of high concentrator photovoltaic modules in outdoor conditions: Influence of direct normal irradiance, air temperature, and air mass

“…16,17 This is only an approximation of the real spectrum but can be regarded as a good approximation and many efforts to evaluate the impact of spectrum changes go in this direction. 9,[17][18][19][20] This is useful because it is not needed to measure AM to obtain it. Other methods based on measurements using spectroradiometers or isotype solar cells are more complex and expensive.…”