Electrical Rating of Concentrated Photovoltaic (CPV) Systems: Long-Term Performance Analysis and Comparison to Conventional PV Systems

摘要

The dynamic nature ofudmeteorological data and the commercial availability of diverse photovoltaicudsystems, ranging from single-junction silicon-based PV panels to concentratedudphotovoltaic (CPV) systems utilizing multi-junction solar cells and a two-axisudsolar tracker, demand a simple but accurate methodology for energy planners andudPV system designers to understand the economic feasibility of photovoltaic orudrenewable energy systems. In this paper, an electrical rating methodology isudproposed that provides a common playing field for planners, consumers and PVudmanufacturers to evaluate the long-term performance of photovoltaic systems, asudlong-term electricity rating is deemed to be a quick and accurate method toudevaluate economic viability and determine plant sizes and photovoltaic systemudpower production. A long-term performance analysis based on monthly andudelectrical ratings (in kWh/m2/year) of two developed CPV prototypes,udthe Cassegrain mini dish and Fresnel lens CPVs with triple-junction solar cellsudoperating under the meteorological conditions of Singapore, is presented inudthis paper. Performances are compared to other conventional photovoltaicudsystems.