Analysis of Performance and Operating Temperature Losses of Solar Cell Modules A Case Study in Bangkok Area

Abstract

The study analyzed the energy production performance of a 32.4 kWp solar photovoltaic (PV) system installed on the roof of the Chitralada Institute of Technology building, which consisted of multi-crystalline silicon (m-Si) solar cells. The PV system had been in operation for 4 years. The purpose was to assess the system's efficiency and operating temperature losses. The average daily solar irradiance varied throughout the months, with a peak of 410 watts per square meter in April and a minimum of 305 watts per square meter in September. The monthly energy production of the PV system reached its highest at 3,925 kilowatt-hours per kilowatt peak (kWh/kWp) and its lowest at 2,978 kWh/kWp. From the analysis, it was found that the reference yield (kWh/kWp) was 0.736, and the net solar energy yield (kWh/kWp) was 0.563. The performance ratio (PR), which represents the system's efficiency, was calculated to be 0.712. Additionally, the operating temperature losses were determined to be 0.067. The operating temperature losses (0.067) reflect the reduction in energy production caused by the increase in the operating temperature of the PV system. This value indicates the fraction of energy lost due to the temperature effect during the system's operation.