Evaluation of Spectral Effect on Module Performance Using Modeled Average Wavelenght

Since solar cells are spectrally selective, photovoltaic modules are affected by the spectral distribution of the in-plane irradiation. This is in turn dependent on the radiative transfer through the atmosphere. Many parameters are used to characterize the quality of spectral distribution, i.e. its balance towards low rather than high wavelengths. They are based on measured or modeled solar spectra, and may or not require the measurement of the module spectral response. This paper presents a method for the evaluation of spectral effect through the use of the average wavelength of modeled spectra. It results therefore useful when no measured spectral data is available, and does not require the measurement of the module spectral response. The integral value of modeled spectral distribution is first validated through comparison with measured irradiance. The average wavelength is then used to assess the spectral effect on the performance of different PV technologies installed at Airport Bolzano Dolomiti (ABD) test facility and monitored by EURAC: polycrystalline silicon (pc-Si), single junction amorphous silicon (a-Si), micromorph silicon (a-Si/μc-Si), Cadmium Telluride (CdTe) and Copper Indium Gallium Selenide (CIGS). Daily, seasonal and meteorology-related variability of the parameter is also assessed.

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