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Photovoltaic Spectral Responsivity and Efficiency under Different Aerosol Conditions

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  • Dimitra Kouklaki

    (Department of Geology and Geoenvironment, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15784 Athens, Greece
    Institute for Astronomy, Astrophysics, Space Applications and Remote Sensing, National Observatory of Athens (IAASARS/NOA), 15236 Athens, Greece)

  • Stelios Kazadzis

    (Physics and Meteorology Observatory of Davos, World Radiation Center (PMOD/WRC), 7260 Davos, Switzerland
    Institute of Environmental Research and Sustainable Development, National Observatory of Athens, 15236 Athens, Greece)

  • Ioannis-Panagiotis Raptis

    (Department of Geology and Geoenvironment, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15784 Athens, Greece)

  • Kyriakoula Papachristopoulou

    (Department of Geology and Geoenvironment, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15784 Athens, Greece
    Institute for Astronomy, Astrophysics, Space Applications and Remote Sensing, National Observatory of Athens (IAASARS/NOA), 15236 Athens, Greece)

  • Ilias Fountoulakis

    (Institute for Astronomy, Astrophysics, Space Applications and Remote Sensing, National Observatory of Athens (IAASARS/NOA), 15236 Athens, Greece
    Research Centre for Atmospheric Physics and Climatology, Academy of Athens, 10679 Athens, Greece)

  • Kostas Eleftheratos

    (Department of Geology and Geoenvironment, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15784 Athens, Greece
    Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece)

Abstract

While solar power applications are growing rapidly worldwide, information about solar energy availability, its characteristics and the factors that affect it are essential. Among other parameters, a reference spectrum (ASTMG-173-03) is adopted, relying on Standard Test Conditions (STC), under which Photovoltaic (PV) devices are evaluated. However, these rigorously defined conditions can vary considerably from realistic environmental conditions. The objective of the present work is to assess the impact of the variability of atmospheric composition on the spectral distribution of the incident solar spectral irradiance (SSI) and, therefore, its implication on various PV materials performance. Ground-based measurements of global horizontal SSI have been conducted using a Precision Spectroradiometer (PSR) in the framework of the ASPIRE (Atmospheric parameters affecting SPectral solar IRradiance and solar Energy) project in Athens, Greece. The gathered data in combination with spectrally resolved radiative transfer under clear-sky conditions contributed to the investigation of the atmospheric variables that attenuate irradiance (e.g., aerosols). In addition, since PV modules’ spectral absorptivity differs according to the semiconductor material used, the impact of the above-mentioned spectral features on PV performance has been investigated in order to estimate the spectral impact between the theoretical and outdoor conditions on the yield of different PV technologies. Overall, the results denote that smoke has a more significant effect than dust, while the effect on various technologies varies. The highest deviation compared to the STC was observed in the case of a-Si, reaching an absolute difference of 45% in the case of smoke particles in the atmosphere, while the maximum deviation between the different technologies reached approximately 7%.

Suggested Citation

  • Dimitra Kouklaki & Stelios Kazadzis & Ioannis-Panagiotis Raptis & Kyriakoula Papachristopoulou & Ilias Fountoulakis & Kostas Eleftheratos, 2023. "Photovoltaic Spectral Responsivity and Efficiency under Different Aerosol Conditions," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(18), pages 1-18, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:16:y:2023:i:18:p:6644-:d:1241032
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    2. Herman-Czezuch, Anna & Mekeng, Armelle Zemo & Meilinger, Stefanie & Barry, James & Kimiaie, Nicola, 2022. "Impact of aerosols on photovoltaic energy production using a spectrally resolved model chain: Case study of southern West Africa," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 194(C), pages 321-333.
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