Article,
Calculation of the PV modules angular losses under field conditions by means of an analytical model
Solar Energy Materials & Solar Cells, (2001)
Abstract
Photovoltaic (PV) modules in real operation present angular losses
in reference to their behaviour in standard test conditions, due
to the angle of incidence of the incident radiation and the surface
soil. Although these losses are not always negligible, they are commonly
not taken into account when correcting the electrical characteristics
of the PV module or estimating the energy production of PV systems.
The main reason of this approximation is the lack of easy-to-use
mathematical expressions for the angular losses calculation. This
paper analyses these losses on PV modules and presents an analytical
model based on theoretical and experimental results. The proposed
model "ts monocrystalline as well as polycrystalline and amorphous
silicon PV modules, and contemplates the existence of super"cial
dust. With it angular losses integrated over time periods of interest
can be easily calculated. Monthly and annual losses have been calculated
for 10 di!erent European sites, having diverse climates and latitudes
(ranging from32 3 to 523), and considering di!erent module tilt angles.
