Calibration of Photovoltaic Module Performance Models Using Monitored System Data

Calibration of a photovoltaic module performance model currently relies on measurements of electrical output taken with the module outdoors on a two-axis tracker, or indoors using a solar simulator. These measurements require expensive infrastructure. By contrast, measuring electrical performance for systems outdoors on fixed racking is substantially cheaper, yet no method currently exists to translate these meaurements to model coefficients. We present and validate methods to calibrate the Sandia Photovoltaic Array Performance Model and the California Energy Commission model using data collected outdoors for modules at fixed tilt orientation. A method to successfully calibrate module performance models without recourse to a two-axis tracker or a solar simulator expands the ability to rapidly characterize photovoltaic modules in actual operating conditions.