Performance analysis of a PV array installed on building walls in a snowy country

Abstract

This paper summarizes the performance and analysis of a 12 kWp PV array installed on building walls in a snowy country in Japan. The analysis is based on the monitoring results over 2 years since 1999. The highlight of this PV system is that the DC energy output increased by reflection of sunlight from fresh snow around the PV array. Analyzed results show daily integrated DC energy outputs on snowy days are much higher than those without snowfall. The analyzed results also show the reflection from snow affects not only the power output, but also a power rating of inverter for the building-wall PV system.