Outdoor Performance of crystalline silicon PV modules in Bogotá - Colombia

Abstract

The actual operating conditions of solar photovoltaic (PV) modules in external environments are generally very different from those presented at STC (Standard Test Conditions) provided by the manufacturers; therefore, it is important to evaluate the solar PV module's operation in real outdoor environments and verify how their performance is affected by variables such as temperature, humidity and irradiation. In this article two stand-alone PV systems with monocrystalline and polycrystalline silicon technologies, with a data acquisition system were designed and implemented, in order to take measurements of environmental variables and power output. A three-month study between September and November 2019 in Bogotá was done, obtaining measurement data in order to compare environmental variables versus power output. The results obtained in this study show the relation between the environmental conditions and the power output for different PV module technologies.