Novel method to calculate variations in temperature coefficients of solar modules
Brazilian scientists have assessed variations in temperature coefficients in solar modules to determine whether there is a relationship between the dependence of these coefficients and irradiance. They claim their work could be used to improve PV module performance modeling.
210mm wafer achieves highest energy yield, finds Trina Solar
Trina Solar has found that its Vertex modules, based on the 210mm wafer, achieve an energy yield up to 1.6% higher than rival products based on the smaller 182mm wafer format. The company conducted outdoor testing at two separate sites with varying climates, finding that products based on the larger format have a particular advantage in low-irradiance environments.
Raising the temperature on module standards
Scientists in the U.S. laid out the rationale behind new PV module testing specifications published last year, which aim to better take into account the role of temperature in various types of performance loss. They suggest a new ‘98th percentile’ approach to measuring module operating temperatures, which would offer system designers a better understanding of the module’s performance in a particular ‘micro-environment’.
Temperature and the case for bifacial
U.S. scientists have developed a model to predict the performance of bifacial PV at project level. Their results show that when improved temperature sensitivity is properly taken into account, the advantage of bifacial modules could be even larger than previously thought. And for upcoming module technologies like heterojunction in particular, it could mean bifacial is viable in even more parts of the globe.
