Simulation of thermal aspects of residential photovoltaic systems

A TRNSYS program has been developed to simulate the performance of utility-interactive residential photovoltaic (PV) energy systems. The PV system is divided into its major functional components, which are individually described with computer models. These models are described in detail. The results of simulation and actual measured data obtained at MIT Lincoln Laboratory's Northeast Residential Experiment Station are compared. The thermal influences on the design of such PV energy systems are given particular attention.