Evaluation of the non-uniformity of rear-side irradiance in outdoor mounted bifacial silicon PV modules

Ebrar Ozkalay*, Juan Lopez-Garcia, Laura Pinero-Prieto, Ana Gracia-Amillo, Robert P. Kenny

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

6 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The bifacial crystalline silicon (Si) photovoltaic (PV) module market has grown significantly in recent years since they offer the opportunity for increased performance in comparison to conventional monofacial PV modules. This is because both sides of the cells can absorb solar radiation, utilizing the scattered light from the ground and surroundings. This however also implies a more difficult energy yield forecast due to the extra rear irradiance contribution that needs to be evaluated. Furthermore, the IEC technical specification (TS) 60904-1-2 indicates a threshold of 10% for rear side irradiance non-uniformity in outdoor characterization conditions. This work is a study of rear-side irradiance (Grear) non-uniformity essential to ensure meaningful characterization and long-term outdoor energy yield measurements for bifacial modules. The sky conditions, location on rack, rear irradiance sensor number and position that influence the rear irradiance non-uniformity for bifacial modules mounted on an open rack are studied. Finally, the minimum number and position of irradiance sensors needed to reliably describe the rear irradiance as a function of time for long-term monitoring of this PV system is proposed.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationSiliconPV 2019 - 9th International Conference on Crystalline Silicon Photovoltaics
EditorsSebastien Dubois, Stefan Glunz, Pierre Verlinden, Brendel Rolf, Arthur Weeber, Giso Hahn, Marco Poortmans, Christophe Ballif
PublisherAmerican Institute of Physics Inc.
ISBN (Electronic)9780735418929
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 27 Aug 2019
Externally publishedYes
Event9th International Conference on Crystalline Silicon Photovoltaics, SiliconPV 2019 - Leuven, Belgium
Duration: 8 Apr 201910 Apr 2019

Publication series

NameAIP Conference Proceedings
Volume2147
ISSN (Print)0094-243X
ISSN (Electronic)1551-7616

Conference

Conference9th International Conference on Crystalline Silicon Photovoltaics, SiliconPV 2019
Country/TerritoryBelgium
CityLeuven
Period8/04/1910/04/19

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