Modeling the effect of cloud conditions on incident spectra for concentrating photovoltaic (CPV) energy yield calculations

Concentrating Photovoltaic (CPV) systems use low-cost lenses or mirrors to concentrate sunlight onto the highest efficiency solar cells. They typically use 0.1% of the expensive materials used in traditional solar panels and achieve double the efficiency. As a result, CPV has emerged as a viable option for large-scale, low-carbon, electricity generation in sunny locations and will be viable in Canada within the next 5 years.

Predicting the electricity output, or energy yield, of CPV systems is a vital part of determining their profitability and the models used to do this currently rely on low resolution weather data that can introduce inaccuracies. This project will determine methods to treat low-resolution weather data, taking into account the effects of clouds, snow and other seasonal effects, in order to improve the accuracy of CPV energy yield models and therefore aid the wide-scale deployment of concentrating photovoltaics.

Faculty Supervisor:

Karin Hinzer

Student:

Partner:

Morgan Solar

Discipline:

Physics

Sector:

University:

University of Ottawa

Program:

Accelerate