Performance evaluation of hybrid thin-film versus conventional photovoltaic arrays

This paper evaluates the performance of two solar arrays located in Palm City, Florida. The main goal of this study is to compare the annual performance of a solar array with hybrid Smart-Silicon Thin-Film panels and a conventional solar array. The system was designed and installed for two photovoltaic arrays with the same number of panels that started operation in December 2014. First, an overview of the entire system is presented followed by the description of system architecture design. A statistical comparison is done for system daily and monthly power production. Also, the annual energy output of hybrid and conventional units is extracted and analyzed. At the end, annual power production of each array and the amount of system CO₂ emission reduction are calculated. It is concluded from final results that the hybrid solar system has better efficiency in wintertime and performs marginally better than the one with regular solar panels. In order to improve the system efficiency, more precise researches are required in terms of positioning and temperature sensitivity.