Electrical stability of PV modules in different climates

Abstract

The electrical stability is an important factor for the energy yield performance of PV modules. To make a precise energy yield prediction possible the effects must be studied and understood. For crystalline silicon PV modules typically linear degradation rates per year are stated. For other PV module technologies metastable performance behaviour can be observed. These effects can affect the short circuit current, the open circuit voltage and the nominal power or fill factor. The range of the effect can be dependent on the environmental conditions of the PV system. Since 2013 a selection of 15 PV modules of different technologies were studied under 5 climatic conditions using adopted I-V curve correction formulas.