Increasing the Resolution and Spectral Range of Measured Direct Irradiance Spectra for PV Applications

The spectral distribution of the solar irradiance incident on photovoltaic (PV) modules is a key variable controlling their power production. It is required to properly simulate the production and performance of PV plants based on technologies with different spectral characteristics. Spectroradiometers can only sense the solar spectrum within a wavelength range that is usually too short compared to the actual spectral response of some PV technologies. In this work, a new methodology based on the Simple Model of the Atmospheric Radiative Transfer of Sunshine (SMARTS) spectral code is proposed to extend the spectral range of measured direct irradiance spectra and to increase the spectral resolution of such experimental measurements. Satisfactory results were obtained for both clear and hazy sky conditions at a radiometric station in southern Spain. This approach constitutes the starting point of a general methodology to obtain the instantaneous spectral irradiance incident on the plane of array of PV modules and its temporal variations, while evaluating the magnitude and variability of the abundance of atmospheric constituents with the most impact on surface irradiance, most particularly aerosols and water vapor.