Thermal modelling to analyze the effect of cell temperature on PV modules energy efficiency

In this paper, a one-dimensional thermal model used to determine the cell temperature of a photovoltaic (PV) module is proposed. This model that takes into account wind velocity could be helpful to better calculate the efficiency of a PV module. Two calibration methods and several experimental results are given. These measurements performed in real operating conditions were done on a single free-mounted PV module. Both of modelling approaches are presented to provide values of heat transfer coefficients that could be inserted into an external PV simulation tool.