On the temperature dependence of photovoltaic module electrical performance: A review of efficiency/power correlations

A brief discussion is presented regarding the operating temperature of one-sun commercial grade silicon-based solar cells/modules and its effect upon the electrical performance of photovoltaic installations. Suitable tabulations are given for most of the known algebraic forms which express the temperature dependence of solar electrical efficiency and, equivalently, solar power. Finally, the thermal aspects of the major power/energy rating methods are briefly discussed. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.