Uncertainties in Predicting Solar Panel Power Output

摘要

This report examines the problem of calculating solar panel power output at launch and during a space mission. It also examines the major sources of uncertainty and error in predicting the post launch electrical performance of the panel. A general discussion of error analysis is given. Examples of uncertainty calculations are included. A general method of calculating the effect on the panel of various degrading environments is presented, with references supplied for specific methods. A technique for sizing a solar panel for a required mission power profile is developed.