University Study Confirms Solar PV Efficiencies Decline with Rising Outside Temperatures

This summer has seen some record temperatures around the world and the trend is likely to continue through the season. At first glance you would think that this would be good news for solar technology as we harvest the additional solar energy but this is not the case for all types of systems. Unlike solar thermal power technology which thrives at higher temperatures , Crystalline Silicon Photovoltiac Solar panels tend to reduce their output as the temperatures rise. If conditions are outside of the modules optimum temperature range the modules operate at lower efficiencies.

According to a new study the performance of crystalline silicon – widely considered a reliable solar module construction – declines amid rising temperatures of rooftop modules. The studies were performed by TUV Rheinland PTL, LLC, a member of the world’s largest solar and photovoltaic testing network.

Most photovoltaic modules made with crystalline silicon are known to decrease by 0.5 percent per Celsius degree as the temperature increases. Dr. Govindasamy Tamizhmani, president of TUV Rheinland PTL, and Mr. Joseph Kuitche, Operations Section Head of TUV Rheinland PTL, plan to show the link among module temperatures and weather conditions. The results of the study conducted at Arizona State University and TUV Rheinland PTL have the potential to impact the type of module set-ups homeowners and businesses choose to install in the future.

The presentation will cover the types of weather conditions influencing the solar cell’s operating temperature and the thermal models developed to predict the temperatures of open-rack and rooftop crystalline silicon photovoltaic modules.

The 20-minute presentation will happen during Intersolar North America’s “Crystalline Silicon II – Modules & Systems” session on July 14 from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Intercontinental Hotel, 888 Howard Ave., San Francisco, Calif. For information or to register, visit Intersolar North America at www.intersolar.us.

Intersolar North America 2010 takes place from July 12 – 15 in San Francisco, and focuses on photovoltaics and solar thermal technology. This year about 550 international exhibitors, 20,000 trade visitors and 1,600 conference participants are expected to attend.

Based in Tempe, Ariz., TUV Rheinland PTL is a leading provider of safety and performance testing, and market certification serving every sector of the photovoltaic and solar thermal marketplace, from the supply chain through to installation.

TUV Rheinland PTL is a unique partnership between Arizona State University, an institution with more than 50 years of research on solar energy and extensive solar testing know-how, and TUVRheinland®, a $1.5 billion global provider of independent testing, assessment, and certification services. With an international network across six continents, TUVRheinland® maintains the largest network of Solar Energy Laboratories worldwide, with five major laboratories on three continents.

For more information, visit www.tuvptl.com or call TUVRheinland® at 1-TUV-RHEINLAND (888-743-4652). TUV Rheinland PTL will be exhibiting at Intersolar North America 2010 in San Francisco’s Moscone Center West Hall from July 13-15, booth number 9431.

About TUVRheinland®

TUVRheinland® delivers premier independent testing, assessment, and certification services to help companies gain access into global markets. Boasting an international network across six continents, the company’s in-country experts ease the path to compliance with cost-effective pricing and quick turnaround times. The $1.5 billion corporation is comprised of an international network of more than 13,300 employees in 61 countries and serves most industry sectors and markets worldwide. For more information, visit www.tuv.com.

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Posted by Tracey A. Smith on Jul 10 2010. Filed under Residential Solar, Studies, Technology. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry