A comparison of the performance of different PV module types in temperate climates

The performances of five different types of photovoltaic modules have been measured for more than a year in the temperate climate of Perth, Western Australia. Perth averages over 5.4 peak sun hours (PSH) each day, from less than 3 in the winter months to over 8 at the height of summer. The average sun-up temperatures range between 16.5degreesC and 28 C. The types of modules examined in this study are: crystalline silicon (c-Si), laser grooved buried contact (LGBC) c-Si, polycrystalline silicon (p-Si), triple junction amorphous silicon (3j a-Si) and copper indium diselenide (CIS). Using a purpose built outdoor monitoring facility the energy production under actual operating conditions has been measured for each module. The annual and monthly performance ratios (PRs) have been calculated for the different modules and a comparison is presented here. The I-V characteristics and maximum power at standard test conditions have been measured for each module prior to, and at regular intervals, during outdoor exposure. These values are compared to the manufacturers' values, and monitored over time for the modules operated in the field. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.