Methodology of Koppen-Geiger-Photovoltaic climate classification and implications to worldwide mapping of PV system performance

Photovoltaic (PV) already proves but even more promises to be massively deployed worldwide. To evaluate the performance of PV systems globally and assess risk due to different climate conditions, we propose a methodology for the global Koppen-Geiger-Photovoltaic (KGPV) climate classification that divides the globe into 12 zones with regard to the temperature, precipitation and irradiation, and standardizes the evaluations of the performance in regions with similar climatic conditions. Additionally, we present implications of KGPV to simulated PV performance using monthly data, for current and future operation of PV systems worldwide including climate change scenarios. A set of electrical and thermal performance indicators of crystalline silicon PV modules in different KGPV zones is analyzed and their evolution over time due to climate changes caused by high greenhouse gas emissions discussed. Results show that the KGPV scheme proves to be a convenient methodology to relate the KGPV climate zones with PV performance.