Efficiency Comparison of Different Photovoltaic Modules

Abstract Solar photovoltaic power generation capacity is rising continuously as a result of various regional, sub-regional renewable energy policies and the impact of technology development, as well as the increasing environmental concerns. Characteristics of photovoltaic modules are provided by manufacturers after they have been tested indoors under standard test conditions. These parameters may vary under exterior conditions. It is thus imperative to establish the quantity of the energy produced by photovoltaic modules under real operation conditions. This study sought to assess the performance of different kinds of photovoltaic module technologies in the city of Gödöllő, Hungary, and ascertain the behaviour of the modules under real outdoor conditions. Modules include amorphous silicon (a-Si), monocrystalline silicon (mc-Si), polycrystalline silicon (pc-Si), transparent monocrystalline silicon module (mc-Si). Measurement of the module characteristics was performed and various meteorological parameters were obtained. Performance parameters such as performance ratio and efficiency are given and analysed. Module temperature was estimated and evaluated in comparison with experimental values. Energy conversion rates of the modules were determined as 9.4%, 4.4%, 10.3%, 8.2% and 10.4% for mc-Si module transparent glass (165 Wp), a-Si module (glass 40Wp), pc-Si module (105 Wp), pc-Si module (60 Wp) and mc-Si (PV-T 180 Wp), respectively. Under the given outdoor conditions, the highest average performance ratio of 85.2% was obtained for the mc-Si module (transparent glass, 165 Wp), exhibiting the best performance, while pc–Si module (60 Wp) showed the least average performance ratio of 71.8%.