Outdoor Rating Conditions for Photovoltaic Modules and Systems

Sarah R. Kurtz; Daryl Myers; Tim Townsend; Chuck Whitaker; Alex Maish; Roland Hulstrom; K. Emery

doi:10.1016/S0927-0248(99)00160-9

Outdoor Rating Conditions for Photovoltaic Modules and Systems

Sarah R. Kurtz, Daryl Myers, Tim Townsend, Chuck Whitaker, Alex Maish, Roland Hulstrom, K. Emery

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

31 Scopus Citations

Abstract

Historically, flat-plate photovoltaic modules have been given a 'peak-watt' rating indicating the power generated under 1000 W/m² global irradiance at a standard temperature. However, questions have arisen regarding the direct-normal irradiance, ambient or cell temperature, and wind speed (when it is specified) that should be used for evaluating the performance of flat-plate and concentrator modules. By studying the conditions that are observed when the global irradiance on a 2-axis-tracked surface is 1000 W/m², our analysis provides an objective, quantitative basis for the choice of the 'peak-watt' rating conditions for both types of collectors. These observed conditions are consistent with commonly used values of 850 W/m² for direct-normal irradiance and 20°C for ambient temperature. Evidence is given that wind speed should be increased from the commonly used 1 m/s to a more frequently observed 4 m/s.

Original language	American English
Pages (from-to)	379-391
Number of pages	13
Journal	Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells
Volume	62
Issue number	4
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1016/S0927-0248(99)00160-9 https://doi.org/10.1016/S0927-0248(99)00160-9
State	Published - 2000

NREL Publication Number

NREL/JA-520-27160

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title = "Outdoor Rating Conditions for Photovoltaic Modules and Systems",

abstract = "Historically, flat-plate photovoltaic modules have been given a 'peak-watt' rating indicating the power generated under 1000 W/m2 global irradiance at a standard temperature. However, questions have arisen regarding the direct-normal irradiance, ambient or cell temperature, and wind speed (when it is specified) that should be used for evaluating the performance of flat-plate and concentrator modules. By studying the conditions that are observed when the global irradiance on a 2-axis-tracked surface is 1000 W/m2, our analysis provides an objective, quantitative basis for the choice of the 'peak-watt' rating conditions for both types of collectors. These observed conditions are consistent with commonly used values of 850 W/m2 for direct-normal irradiance and 20°C for ambient temperature. Evidence is given that wind speed should be increased from the commonly used 1 m/s to a more frequently observed 4 m/s.",

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AU - Kurtz, Sarah R.

AU - Myers, Daryl

AU - Townsend, Tim

AU - Whitaker, Chuck

AU - Maish, Alex

AU - Hulstrom, Roland

AU - Emery, K.

PY - 2000

Y1 - 2000

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AB - Historically, flat-plate photovoltaic modules have been given a 'peak-watt' rating indicating the power generated under 1000 W/m2 global irradiance at a standard temperature. However, questions have arisen regarding the direct-normal irradiance, ambient or cell temperature, and wind speed (when it is specified) that should be used for evaluating the performance of flat-plate and concentrator modules. By studying the conditions that are observed when the global irradiance on a 2-axis-tracked surface is 1000 W/m2, our analysis provides an objective, quantitative basis for the choice of the 'peak-watt' rating conditions for both types of collectors. These observed conditions are consistent with commonly used values of 850 W/m2 for direct-normal irradiance and 20°C for ambient temperature. Evidence is given that wind speed should be increased from the commonly used 1 m/s to a more frequently observed 4 m/s.

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Outdoor Rating Conditions for Photovoltaic Modules and Systems

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