Performance of PV modules with different technologies and the impact on energy yield in four climatic zones

This study addresses the electrical performance characteristics of different PV module technologies tested in different climate zones and the resulting energy yield. The aim of the work is to identify and quantify the factors influencing the energy yield delivery in order to reduce the uncertainty of energy yield prediction models. In particular the performance of thin-film technologies is less understood and shows higher uncertainties compared to crystalline. It is challenging to test and model PV modules due to various influencing factors related to environment conditions and solar cell physics influencing the performance. Highly precise measurement technology and sophisticated analytic methods are needed. The main focus lies on the comparison of the low irradiance behavior, temperature dependencies and spectral effects of different PV modules in different climates with regard to the specific energy yield delivery