Comparative performance evaluation of different technologies of photovoltaic modules in Algeria

The aim of this paper is to present a comparative study of performance evaluation of photovoltaic (PV) modules as part of the Sahara Solar Breeder project (SSB). In the end of 2013, five different PV module technologies which are: m-Si, CIS, HIT, Back Contact and a-Si_μc-Si, and a weather station were installed at the city of Saida located at the gate of the great Algeria's Sahara desert. The objective of the present work is the study of the behavior of solar PV modules in outdoor conditions and to compare their performance parameters in order to find which technologies are suitable for the Saharan climate conditions. The modules were characterised by measuring their I-V curve in outdoor at the location without shadow. Moreover measurements of various parameters such as irradiance, temperature and humidity, using the weather station were performed. Finally performance parameters as performance ratio, energy yield and temperature losses are given and analysed.