Performance Comparison of Photovoltaic Modules under Low Sunlight

Abstract

The DC energy produced by photovoltaic (PV) modules can change depending on the cell type, module components and module technology. The cell efficiency, sensitivity of the cell to light, recombination losses and how much the light reflects within the cell will affect the amount of produced energy. In addition, the energy produced will change depending on what wavelength light and how much can be transmitted through the front glass and encapsulant and how much light is reflected from back encapsulant and back cover. The front glass transmissivity, patterned surface and existence of ARC (anti-reflective coating) are all very important. In this research project, 14 modules were tested: 4 modules Glass/Glass (Perc Mono Cell), 4 modules Glass/Ceramic (Perc Mono Cell), 2 modules Glass/Glass bifacial (HIT Cell), 1 module Standard (Framed, Mono-n type Cell), 2 modules Standard (Framed, Poly Cell), 1 module Standard (Framed, Perc Mono Cell). This paper compares the normalized Wh/Wp ratios of the different modules under low irradiance (morning and afternoon light) and analyzes and investigates the obtained results as per the cell type used, module components and module technology.