Abstract
The solar diffuse radiation incident on a photovoltaic (PV) module is unevenly distributed along the module's width because its solar-cells “see” different view-factor values with respect to their position. This fact causes PV modules to experience undesired power losses brought about by current mismatch. The paper addresses this issue and presents new interconnection strategies for the module's cells. The proposed interconnections are shown to introduce power gain vis-à-vis the all-series connected module. Having established the theoretical framework, a case study is examined, comparing two sites with considerable different amounts of diffuse radiation with the aim of quantifying the power production enhancement with regard to the site's prevailing annual extent of diffuse radiation. It is found, for example, that by converting the all-series cell interconnection into parallel strips in Desert Rock (NV, USA), each module can be supplemented with a 6.5 [kWph] annually on average. The study may have financial implications for the PV industry which strives to increase power generation while maintaining reduced costs.
Original language | English |
---|---|
Pages (from-to) | 810-818 |
Number of pages | 9 |
Journal | Progress in Photovoltaics: Research and Applications |
Volume | 25 |
Issue number | 9 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Sep 2017 |
Keywords
- cell interconnection
- diffuse radiation
- power losses
- view factor