Global Prediction of Photovoltaic Field Performance Differences Using Open-Source Satellite Data
Peters IM, Liu H, Reindl T, Buonassisi T (2018)
Publication Type: Journal article
Publication year: 2018
Journal
Book Volume: 2
Pages Range: 307-322
Journal Issue: 2
DOI: 10.1016/j.joule.2017.11.012
Abstract
Accurate field-performance prediction is essential for the calculation of return-on-investment for photovoltaic projects. Leading software predicting field performance was developed for traditional technologies and markets. Yet emerging markets are projected to install over half of all solar cells by the end of this decade, with persisting interest in new technologies. In this study, we map photovoltaic system performance over the entire planet, for standard and emerging technologies, using open-source satellite data. We validate results using time-resolved field-performance data of cadmium telluride and silicon modules in temperate (Perrysburg, OH, USA) and hot-humid (Singapore) climates. Watt for watt, we find that CdTe produces up to 6% more energy than Si in tropical regions. This result emphasizes the significance of local performance evaluation to complement standard testing condition efficiencies. We extend our model to emerging materials including lead-halide perovskites and III-V thin films, and demonstrate that larger band gaps have performance advantages in hot and humid environments. Predicting how much energy is produced by photovoltaic (PV) panels is essential for planning PV projects. Energy yield calculations need to consider local climate, as different PV technologies react differently to water vapor or temperature. In this work, we map predicted solar cell performance over the entire planet, for standard and emerging technologies, using open-source satellite data. Watt for watt, we find that the wider-band-gap CdTe produces up to 6% more energy than Si in tropical regions. We also consider emerging PV materials including lead-halide perovskites and III-V thin films, and demonstrate that larger band gaps generally have performance advantages in hot and humid environments. We anticipate that considering the conditions that define energy yield locally will become ever more important, as more installations shift into tropical and subtropical regions. With our work we hope to contribute to improved performance predictions and to inspire device and material research. In this work, we introduce an open-source tool for PV performance predictions, using satellite data. We use the tool to map solar cell performance over the entire planet for standard and emerging technologies. Watt for watt, we find that the wider-band-gap CdTe produces up to 6% more energy than Si in tropical regions. We also consider emerging PV materials including lead-halide perovskites and III-V thin films, and demonstrate that larger band gaps generally have performance advantages in hot and humid environments.
Involved external institutions
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
United States (USA) (US)
National University of Singapore (NUS)
Singapore (SG)
United States (USA) (US)
National University of Singapore (NUS)
Singapore (SG)
How to cite
APA:
Peters, I.M., Liu, H., Reindl, T., & Buonassisi, T. (2018). Global Prediction of Photovoltaic Field Performance Differences Using Open-Source Satellite Data. Joule, 2(2), 307-322. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joule.2017.11.012
MLA:
Peters, Ian Marius, et al. "Global Prediction of Photovoltaic Field Performance Differences Using Open-Source Satellite Data." Joule 2.2 (2018): 307-322.
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