Conference article

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.

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