Advanced Photovoltaic Module Characterisation and Optimisation for Enhanced Outdoor Performance

Abstract

Photovoltaic (PV) cells and modules are rated under standard test conditions (STC), with cell or module temperature of 25oC, normally incident light, Air Mass 1.5 Global (AM1.5G) solar spectrum, and a solar irradiance intensity of 1000 W/m2. Because of this, solar cells and modules are usually designed to have maximum efficiency at STC. However, in the real world, PV modules rarely operate under these conditions; the real-world conditions vary strongly and influence the electrical performance of the modules, often causing an efficiency loss with respect to the STC nominal performance. In this thesis, we performed detailed investigations into various loss mechanisms that affect the performance of PV modules in the real world. Through the improved understanding, the cells and modules are then optimised for the real-world conditions.