Modelling daily PV performance as a function of irradiation, ambient temperature, soiling, wind speed, and aging - Applied to PV modules operating in Maui

A PV test platform commissioned on Maui in February 2016 is used to conduct side-by-side comparison of different PV modules. The daily performance of the modules is presented for the first year of operation. In addition to the performance ratio, the current/optical and voltage/thermal performance are calculated and analyzed to identify performance differences between PV module technologies and manufacturers. The 3 performance criteria are simulated using empirical models as a function of the main drivers of operation identified to be irradiation, ambient temperature, soiling, wind speed, and aging. Soiling affects the optical performance while ambient temperature and wind speed mostly change the voltage performance. Aging is observed affecting either optical or thermal performance. Irradiation is the main driver of daily performance. There is a low impact (<;5%) of the ambient temperature and wind speed on the daily performance. Soiling has a limited impact (5-8%) thanks to regular rainfall. However, aging/degradation may be important in Maui as observed in other tropical locations. It is essential to assess long-term performance in Hawaii to identify the most durable candidate and to accurately predict the return-of-investment.