TEMPERATURE BEHAVIOUR OF DIFFERENT PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEMS

The performance of photovoltaic systems depends to a great extend on the operating temperature which is a factor that influences their daily and seasonal performance. This is a very diverse effect especially in areas of high irradiation such as Cyprus where module temperatures may even reach 70ºC during midday hours of the prolonged summer period. The term “temperature coefficient ” is a parameter which quantifies several different photovoltaic electrical characteristics, including the voltage, current and power. This paper describes the field investigations performed and the evaluated temperature behaviour, since the beginning of May 2006, of 13 different types of PV modules which have been installed and exposed to real meteorological and Maximum Power Point (MPP) operating condition