A5031612611- Photovoltaic System Optimization Techniques
- Silicon and Solar Cell Technologies
- solar cell performance optimization
- Thin-Film Transistor Technologies
- Solar Radiation and Photovoltaics
- Photovoltaic Systems and Sustainability
- Solar Thermal and Photovoltaic Systems
- Chalcogenide Semiconductor Thin Films
- Thermal Radiation and Cooling Technologies
- Power System Reliability and Maintenance
- Energy and Environment Impacts
- Silicon Nanostructures and Photoluminescence
- Integrated Circuits and Semiconductor Failure Analysis
- Energy Load and Power Forecasting
- Perovskite Materials and Applications
- Advanced Battery Technologies Research
- Electrical Fault Detection and Protection
- Nanowire Synthesis and Applications
- Quantum Dots Synthesis And Properties
- Industrial Vision Systems and Defect Detection
- Photonic and Optical Devices
- Photonic Crystals and Applications
- Global Energy and Sustainability Research
- Semiconductor materials and devices
- Market Dynamics and Volatility
National Renewable Energy Laboratory
2015-2024
Electric Power Research Institute
2022-2023
Southern Company (United States)
2023
Lumina Foundation
2022
University of Washington
2022
University of Toledo
2022
Sandia National Laboratories
2022
SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory
2019
Stanford University
2019
Rochester Institute of Technology
2017
Abstract Over the past decade, global cumulative installed photovoltaic (PV) capacity has grown exponentially, reaching 591 GW in 2019. Rapid progress was driven large part by improvements solar cell and module efficiencies, reduction manufacturing costs realization of levelized electricity that are now generally less than other energy sources approaching similar with storage included. Given this success, it is a particularly fitting time to assess state photovoltaics field technology...
Nanostructured light trapping has emerged as a promising route toward improved efficiency in solar cells. We use coupled optical and electrical modeling to guide optimization of such nanostructures. study thin-film n-i-p a-Si:H devices demonstrate that nanostructures can be tailored minimize absorption the doped a-Si:H, improving carrier collection efficiency. This suggests method for device which design not only maximizes absorption, but also ensures resulting carriers are efficiently collected.
Abstract Resonant dielectric structures are a promising platform for addressing the key challenge of light trapping in thin‐film solar cells. We experimentally and theoretically demonstrate efficiency enhancements cells from nanosphere arrays. Two distinct amorphous silicon photovoltaic architectures were improved using this versatile light‐trapping platform. In one structure, colloidal monolayer couples into absorber near‐field acting as photonic crystal element. other, it acts far‐field...
Soiling of photovoltaic (PV) panels is typically quantified through the use specialized sensors. Here, we describe and validate a method for estimating soiling loss experienced by PV systems directly from system yield without need precipitation data. The method, termed stochastic rate recovery (SRR) automatically detects intervals in dataset, then stochastically generates sample possible profiles based on observed characteristics each interval. In this paper, it against station measurements,...
Reducing the operating temperature of photovoltaic modules increases their efficiency and lifetime. This can be achieved by reducing production waste heat or improving rejection heat. We tested, using a combination simulation experiment, several thermal modifications in each category. To predict energy yield changes response to module, we implemented physics-based transient framework based almost entirely on measured properties. The most effective reduced reflecting unusable light from cell...
Three-terminal tandem solar cells can provide a robust operating mechanism to efficiently capture the spectrum without need current match sub-cells or fabricate complicated metal interconnects.
Abstract In the PV Fleet Performance Data Initiative, high‐frequency data from commercial and utility‐scale photovoltaic (PV) systems have been collected to examine performance loss rates (PLRs) at a fleet scale. To date, more than 7.2‐gigawatt (GW) capacity, 1700 sites 19,000 inverters—approximately equivalent 6% 7% of entire US market—have collected. An overall PLR −0.75%/year was found, which is in line with historical recent findings. Tracked silicon (Si) cadmium telluride (CdTe)...
Photovoltaic cells can be damaged by reverse bias stress, which arises during service when a monolithically integrated thin-film module is partially shaded. We introduce model for describing module's internal thermal and electrical state, cannot normally measured. Using this experimental measurements, we present several results with relevance reliability testing engineering: Modules small breakdown voltage experience less stress than those large voltage, some exceptions modules having...
We present a method for analyzing time series production data from photovoltaic systems to extract the rate at which energy yield is affected by accumulation of dust, dirt, and other forms soiling. describe an approach that based on prevailing methods, consider change in during dry periods. The described here builds upon these methods considering statistical sample soiling intervals each site under consideration utilizing robust Theil-Sen estimator slope extraction intervals. enables...
Abstract This study presents an investigation on the correlations between soiling losses and environmental parameters at 41 locations in United States, with aim of analyzing possibility predicting a site even when data are not available. The results this work, which considers largest pool points systematically investigated so far, confirm that single‐variable regression based particulate matter concentration returns best soiling, adjusted coefficients determination up to 70%, corresponding...
What is the best method to determine long-term PV system performance and degradation rates? Ideally, one universally applicable methodology would be desirable so that a single number could derived. However, data sets vary in their attributes evidence presented defining two methodologies may preferable. Monte Carlo simulations of artificial allowed investigation different respective confidence intervals. Tradeoffs between approaches were delineated, elucidating as why separate need included...
Being able to quantify energy production losses in photovoltaic (PV) systems is important order reduce the risk associated with investing PV. Two such loss components are degradation rates and soiling losses. However, where both these phenomena exist, quantifying them not straightforward because of their combined effect on power output. In this article, we propose an algorithm that iteratively decomposes a performance index time series PV system into component, seasonal component. This makes...
We deployed a 855 cm <sup xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">2</sup> thin-film, single-junction gallium arsenide (GaAs) photovoltaic (PV) module outdoors. Due to its fundamentally different cell technology compared silicon (Si), the responds differently outdoor conditions. On average during test, GaAs produced more power when temperature was higher. show that maximum-power coefficient, while actually negative, is several times smaller in...
Waste heat generated during daytime operation of a solar module will raise its temperature and reduce cell efficiency. In addition to thermalization carrier recombination, one major source excess in modules is the parasitic absorption light with sub-bandgap energy. Parasitic can be prevented if radiation reflected away from module. We report on design considerations projected changes energy yield for photonic reflectors capable reflecting portion while maintaining or improving transmission...
In this paper, we present a new soiling map developed at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, showing data from 83 sites in United States. Soiling has been measured through stations or extracted by photovoltaic system performance using referenced techniques. The on have used to conduct first regional analysis of distribution We found that most occurs southwestern States, with Southern California counties experiencing greatest losses because high particulate matter concentrations and...
We present a model for yield analysis of tandem devices consisting Si bottom cells with III-V top cells. It accounts the spectral properties subcells as well their reduced operating temperature due to increased efficiency and luminescent coupling. Inputs are experimental I-V QE data (e.g., available from laboratory prototypes) irradiance-dependent module cell. apply compare two types cells, GaInP GaAs on The impact model, compared constant temperature, shows relative change in energy up...
Ambient particulate matter in urban environments is dynamic and heterogeneous; therefore, understanding photovoltaic energy loss due to soiling challenging. Silicon reference cells were deployed an urban-industrial area Colorado colocated with measurements of ambient concentrations. Regressing measured ratios against cumulative sums coarse since the last precipitation event fine first day deployment produces a root-mean-square error approximately 0.013. This model partially addresses...
The economic return on investment of a commercial photovoltaic system depends greatly its performance over the long term and, hence, degradation rate. Many methods have been proposed for assessing rates from outdoor data. However, comparing reported values one analyst and research group to another requires common baseline performance; consistency between analysts can be challenge. An interlaboratory study was conducted involving different volunteer reporting same data using methodologies....
Photovoltaic systems may underperform expectations for several reasons, including inaccurate initial estimates, suboptimal operations and maintenance, or component degradation. Accurate assessment of these loss factors aids in addressing root causes underperformance realizing accurate models. The performance rate (PLR) is a commonly cited high‐level metric the change system output over time, but there no precise, standard definition. Herein, an annualized definition PLR that inclusive all...
This paper describes an effort to inspect and evaluate PV modules in order determine what failure or degradation modes are occurring field installations. will report on the results of six site visits, including Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) Hedge Array, Tucson Electric Power (TEP) Springerville, Central Florida Utility, Solar Energy Center (FSEC), TEP Test Yard, University Toledo The here makes use a recently developed inspection data collection protocol, were input into...