PVOPEL: A Scalable Opto-Electrical Performance Model of PV systems using Ray Tracing and PVMismatch

In this study, we introduce a novel Photovoltaic Energy Performance (PV) modeling framework "PVOPEL" to study performance of a PV array using a cell level resolution ray tracing technique and the resulting system level electrical response. Conventionally, PV performance modeling tools model the energy output of a given PV system for a unit, such as a single module or a row of modules, and make an approximation that the output of the system scales with the increasing system size. While some of the factors affecting the output of a PV system do scale linearly with the system size, other factors such as mismatch losses scale nonlinearly based on the shading scene and PV system. PVOPEL framework provides a first-of-its-kind, highly scalable and accurate solution for modeling annual energy output of PV systems. It is expected to shorten product development lifecycles, reduce uncertainty in design decisions, lower the burden on test campaigns, and reduce business risk for solar industry overall.The case study presented here showcases the capability of this framework for assessing the performance impact of Module Level Power Electronics (MLPE) such as DC optimizers and Microinverters as compared to a traditional string inverter based PV system. The case study demonstrates that although the monthly energy impact of introducing MLPEs into PV systems can vary from 1.5% loss to up to 6% gain, the annual energy assessment for the given configuration presents a more realistic figure of up to 1% gain relative to string inverter based PV systems.. With the rapid growth of MLPE deployment, this case study demonstrates a tool that the solar industry can utilize to assess the technical value proposition of MLPEs in detail.