This paper summarizes the results of solar photovoltaic (PV) module electrical characterization under outdoor and indoor conditions in the Republic of South Africa. Under outdoor conditions, the bi-facial PV modules on fixed racks and dual-axis trackers yielded more energy than mono-facial modules on the same mounting configuration due to the active backside. The indoor current-voltage (IV) measurements conducted on an A+A+A+ sun simulator matched within ± 3% of the manufacturer’s nameplate ratings on a sample of crystalline PV modules, with some exceptions. The measured electrical characteristics from the outdoor system was corrected to standard test conditions (STC) and compared with indoor measurements at STC. The corrected maximum power from the outdoor system measured roughly 5% below maximum power as measured on the indoor system.
Reference:
Mkasi, H.W. et al. 2019. Characterization of solar photovoltaic modules in outdoor and indoor conditions. In: 9th CIGRE Southern Africa Regional Conference, Johannesburg, South Africa, 1-4 October 2019
Mkasi, H. W., May, S. I., Basappa Ayanna, M., Pratt, L. E., & Roro, K. T. (2019). Characterization of solar photovoltaic modules in outdoor and indoor conditions. CIGRE Southern Africa National Committee. http://hdl.handle.net/10204/11395
Mkasi, Hlaluku W, Siyasanga I May, Manjunath Basappa Ayanna, Lawrence E Pratt, and Kittessa T Roro. "Characterization of solar photovoltaic modules in outdoor and indoor conditions." (2019): http://hdl.handle.net/10204/11395
Mkasi HW, May SI, Basappa Ayanna M, Pratt LE, Roro KT, Characterization of solar photovoltaic modules in outdoor and indoor conditions; CIGRE Southern Africa National Committee; 2019. http://hdl.handle.net/10204/11395 .
