Towards a More User Friendly Technique for Predicting Photovoltaic Energy Output

Authors

Hans Chapman

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2017

Abstract

Several factors impact the power output from solar photovoltaic (PV) modules. Some are deterministic and controllable and others are uncontrollable (e.g., meteorological conditions), yet critical to performance. The objective of this paper is to assess the relationship between the meteorological variables and the power output of a mono silicon PV module using Multiple Linear Regression modelling. The approach involved exposing one mono-silicon photovoltaic module to the open atmosphere for a period of time and measuring the electrical energy output as a function of natural variation in the meteorological factors. A regression model for the power output was developed and significant variables identified. The model derived for this material grade of silicon tended to match the validation data more closely for clear skies, but not as accurate for times of cloud cover. Results of this study will provide useful design and application insight on critical factors that impact the energy capabilities of crystalline silicon PV modules. The analysis was simultaneously targeted to a non-technical audience, so that home owners interested in installing photovoltaic arrays on their roofs can have a simpler, user friendly method by which to determine energy output for various atmospheric conditions.

Recommended Citation

Journal of Arts Science and Technology. Vol. 9, pp. 79-102.