Conference article

Comparative Performance of Various PV Technologies in Different Italian Locations

A. Colli
EURAC Research, Institute for Renewable Energy, Bolzano, Italy

M. Marzoli
Ricerca sul Sistema Energetico - RSE S.p.A., Milano, Italy

W. Zaaiman
EC Joint Research Centre, Institute for Energy, Renewable Energy Unit, Ispra (VA), Italy

S. Guastella
Ricerca sul Sistema Energetico - RSE S.p.A., Milano, Italy

W. Sparber
EURAC Research, Institute for Renewable Energy, Bolzano, Italy

Download articlehttp://dx.doi.org/10.3384/ecp110572722

Published in: World Renewable Energy Congress - Sweden; 8-13 May; 2011; Linköping; Sweden

Linköping Electronic Conference Proceedings 57:4, p. 2722-2729

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Published: 2011-11-03

ISBN: 978-91-7393-070-3

ISSN: 1650-3686 (print), 1650-3740 (online)

Abstract

With the increasing number of photovoltaic (PV) installations on a worldwide scale; an outdoor performance analysis of various types of modules is needed. The purpose to assess and compare the performance of different types of modules in specific geographical locations; under various climatic conditions and to identify benefits/losses given by a specific surrounding context; is very important to evaluate the energetic behavior of future installations and direct them toward the most suitable technology to apply. The installations taken into consideration are located in Bolzano; Milan; and Catania; allowing comparison among three different Italian climate conditions and irradiance levels: the Alpine region; the upper Padana valley; and the see-side area in Sicily. In Bolzano; a multi-technology ground-mounted PV field is taken into analysis. For Milan and Catania; two multi-section PV power plants are monitored. The monitoring activities are done taking the international norm IEC 61724 as reference document; together with the best practice already existing in the field. The PV modules are evaluated in relation to ambient conditions; installation characteristics; module-specific behavior and state. Results are provided in a comparative way among the three considered geographical locations. Results are validated and an uncertainty estimation is shown. As instrumentation and environmental conditions are not the same; uncertainties for the locations might be different. Possible issues related to monitoring activities; as well as the performance of different PV technologies; will be highlighted.

Keywords

Monitoring; PV System Performance; Energy Rating; Site-Dependent Performance Ratio

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