An Assessment on Simple Modeling Approaches to the Electric Behavior of Two CIS PV Modules in a Sunny Climate

摘要

Predicting both copper indium diselenide (CIS) module and generator performance outdoors is a crucial issue for designers and installers who use this technology. Three simple methods addressed to predict the behavior of two modules of this technology in a sunny climate have been empirically tried. A 12-month test and measurement campaign carried out using two calibrated CIS photovoltaic (PV) modules in the city of Jaen (Spain, latitude 38°N, longitude 3°W) has provided the necessary empirical data. Results show that the electric behavior of these CIS PV modules may be described with adequate accuracy-for PV engineering in sunny sites-assuming the fill factor remains constant through operation while short-circuit current and open circuit voltage vary linearly with incident global irradiance and cell temperature, respectively. Further, degradation has been of no concern-otherwise, this would have invalidated the above conclusions-as it stems from the small difference between the results of the initial calibration and those of a recalibration of the modules after their outdoor exposure. Additionally, high values of the module performance ratio lead to the same conclusion.