The performances of five different types of photovoltaic modules have been measured during spring and summer in the temperate climate of Perth, Western Australia. The Perth summer averages over 7 peak sun hours (PSH) each day and has average sun-up temperatures between 25°C and 27°C. The types of modules examined in this study are: Crystalline silicon (c-Si), laser grooved buried contact (LGBC) c-Si, polycrystalline silicon (p-Si), triple junction amorphous silicon (3j, a-Si) and copper indium diselenide (CIS). Using a purpose built outdoor monitoring facility the energy production under actual operating conditions has been measured for each module. The monthly performance ratios (PRs) have been calculated for the different modules and a comparison is presented here. The I-V characteristics and maximum power at standard test conditions (STC) have been measured for each module prior to, and at regular intervals during, outdoor exposure. These values are compared to the manufacturers' values, and monitored over time for the modules operated in the field.
展开▼
