Description and Availability of the SMARTS Spectral Model for Photovoltaic Applications: Preprint

    Research output: Contribution to conferencePaper

    Abstract

    Limited spectral response range of photovoltaic (PV) devices requires device performance be characterized with respect to widely varying terrestrial solar spectra. The FORTRAN code 'Simple Model for Atmospheric Transmission of Sunshine' (SMARTS) was developed for various clear-sky solar renewable energy applications. The model is partly based on parameterizations of transmittance functions in theMODTRAN/LOWTRAN band model family of radiative transfer codes. SMARTS computes spectra with a resolution of 0.5 nanometers (nm) below 400 nm, 1.0 nm from 400 nm to 1700 nm, and 5 nm from 1700 nm to 4000 nm. Fewer than 20 input parameters are required to compute spectral irradiance distributions including spectral direct beam, total, and diffuse hemispherical radiation, and up to 30 otherspectral parameters. A free spreadsheet-based graphical user interface can be used to simplify the construction of input files for the model. The model is the basis for new terrestrial reference spectra developed by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) for photovoltaic and materials degradation applications. We describe the model accuracy, functionality, and the availability ofsource and executable code. Applications to PV rating and efficiency and the combined effects of spectral selectivity and varying atmospheric conditions are briefly discussed.
    Original languageAmerican English
    Number of pages14
    StatePublished - 2004
    EventInternational Symposium on Optical Science and Technology, SPIE's 49th Annual Meeting - Denver, Colorado
    Duration: 2 Aug 20046 Aug 2004

    Conference

    ConferenceInternational Symposium on Optical Science and Technology, SPIE's 49th Annual Meeting
    CityDenver, Colorado
    Period2/08/046/08/04

    NREL Publication Number

    • NREL/CP-560-36320

    Keywords

    • applications to PV rating and efficiency
    • computes spectra
    • Fortran code
    • model accuracy
    • modtran/lowtran band model
    • parameterizations of transmittance functions

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