Changes in the Efficiency of Photovoltaic Energy Conversion in Temperature Range With Extreme Limits

The efficiency of the photovoltaic energy conversion depends on the temperature significantly. We monitored the behavior of I–V characteristics of the PV cell based on monocrystalline silicon in temperature range with extreme limits from −170 °C to +100 °C. We have not yet found a similar measurement in this temperature interval. The temperature of PV modules without radiation concentration can reach values of −100 °C to +100 °C on the Earth's surface. The temperature range may be few wider in space. Changes of I–V characteristics and P–V characteristics are discussed in terms of the theory of solids. The open-circuit voltage dependence is approximately linear over a wide temperature range, but saturation occurs at temperatures around −150 °C, which is also explained in accordance with the theory of semiconductors. The decrease in energy conversion efficiency with increasing temperature has a value of about 0.5%/°C throughout the whole temperature range possible on the Earth's surface. If there are large changes in the temperature of the PV modules during operation of the PV system, the electrical voltage of the PV modules will also change considerably. In space applications, these fluctuations may be greater. This must be taken into account when designing PV systems (especially for deep space missions). For example, electronic inverters are sensitive to overvoltage or undervoltage.