Temperature distribution effects in PV modules operating in field conditions

PV cell temperature is known to affect the PV cell fundamental quantities: short circuit current, open circuit voltage, fill factor and peak power. Factors including partial shading, ageing defects, production microdefects, etc, are often responsible for high temperatures developed within the affected cells, or generally for the uneven temperature distribution often observed in PV modules operating in field conditions. These lead to a current or voltage mismatch between the cells of the module, identified in the module’s I-V curve, and are seen to significantly affect the module’s power performance. The I-V curve and IR thermography obtained in PV modules operating in field conditions disclose detailed information about the real state and operational dynamics of the modules. This paper examines the temperature distribution in PV modules operating in field conditions through IR image analysis and reveals significant temperature effects on power performance as observed through the I-V curve analysis.