Research on the Installation Technology of Photovoltaic Systems in Consideration of Snow

Abstract

Kazuhiko HOSOKAWA Tsukasa TOMABECHIIn order to optimize electricity generation capacity and determine the optimal attitude for photovoltaic systems installed in snowy areas, an onsite test module was installed and snow accumulation and electricity generation were measured. Snow accumulation on the module was only observed at installation angles of 45˚ and 60˚. When installed at an angle of 90˚, electricity generation decreased by approximately 20% during the snowfall season, increasing by a few percentage points during the summer at all three angles. Annual electricity generation only varied slightly between installation angles of 45˚ or 60˚ and 90˚.