High Temperature Effect on Multicrystalline Photovoltaic Module in Western Rajasthan, India

Abstract

The literature and research papers all show that PV (Photovoltaic) module have maximum efficiency at 25 o C. However on analysing the real time data of a 5 MW (Mega Watt) PV (Photovoltaic) power plant located at Ramgarh, district Jaisalmer, India, it was found that the DC output voltage of a multicrystalline module is not maximum at 25 o C, instead much higher DC voltage is obtained at 40 o C ambient temperature and stable voltage is obtained only if ambient temperature is greater than about 37 o C and panel temperature is greater than 50 o C. DC output voltage decreases slightly with increase in panel temperature only after panel temperature crosses 52 o C but the output obtained even at 68 o C is much higher than that obtained at 30-35 o C panel temperature roughly corresponding to 25-28 o C ambient temperature. Since the power output is directly proportional to the voltage, Western Rajasthan has a great potential to become a leader in solar photovoltaic.