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Inhomogeneous rear reflector induced hot-spot risk and power loss in building-integrated bifacial c-Si photovoltaic modules

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  • Kim, Chungil
  • Jeong, Myeong Sang
  • Ko, Jaehwan
  • Ko, MyeongGeun
  • Kang, Min Gu
  • Song, Hyung-Jun

Abstract

A building-integrated bifacial photovoltaic (BF-PV) module is a strong candidate for realizing zero-energy buildings because it can achieve high power output by collecting light from both the front and rear sides of the building. However, harvesting non-uniformly distributed rear incident light is a very challenge issue in BF-PV. In this study, we empirically investigated the effect of an inhomogeneous rear surface on the power and reliability of a BF-PV. The mini-module test showed that a non-uniform rear reflection triggers a current mismatch among cells, resulting in the overheating of cells above the low reflectance surface. In particular, a large difference in the reflectance inside the rear reflector installed close to the module increases a hot-spot risk. This risk can be reduced by minimizing the variation of the reflectance, as well as elongating the distance between the cell and the reflector. A theoretical calculation based on empirical results indicated that an inhomogeneous rear reflector results in power loss or a reliability issue in BF-PV modules. Hence, the rear surface of a BF-PV module should be carefully designed or considered in order to maximize its performance and reliability.

Suggested Citation

  • Kim, Chungil & Jeong, Myeong Sang & Ko, Jaehwan & Ko, MyeongGeun & Kang, Min Gu & Song, Hyung-Jun, 2021. "Inhomogeneous rear reflector induced hot-spot risk and power loss in building-integrated bifacial c-Si photovoltaic modules," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 163(C), pages 825-835.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:renene:v:163:y:2021:i:c:p:825-835
    DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2020.09.020
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    5. Jouttijärvi, Sami & Lobaccaro, Gabriele & Kamppinen, Aleksi & Miettunen, Kati, 2022. "Benefits of bifacial solar cells combined with low voltage power grids at high latitudes," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 161(C).
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