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Finer System Level Details for the Comparison of Photovoltaic Technologies | Alternative Energy Stocks
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« The Four Best Peak Oil Investments | Main Finer System Level Details for the Comparison of Photovoltaic Technologies by Joseph McCabe, PEIn our last article "
System level details begin with the PV modules themselves. Band gap,temperature corrections and fill factor are just some of thefiner technology details, all slightly related in that they can producesystem performance differences when comparing similar PV technologies.
Band gap is the quantum-levelpoint where the PV technology absorbs photons. Think of the last timeyou saw a rainbow with its many colors. These colors are reflecting thevisible wavelengths of sunlight. Band gap is akin to the measurement ofthe number of wavelengths, or colors, that can be absorbed; even onesyou can't see. The higher the band gap, the more the PV technology isable to grab the power contained in our terrestrial sunlight. Locationsin higher latitudes have different wavelengths than at the equator, soknowing the band gap can be an important performance factor, especiallyin high latitude locations.
The higher the band gap, the lower the temperaturecorrection. Temperature correction was covered in
Fill factor is the ratio of thetechnology's actual ability to capture available energy to the energythat is theoretically available. More mature PV technologies likesingle crystalline silicon have higher fill factors, newer thin filmslike CIGS have lower fill factors which will be increasing as thetechnologies mature. Higher fill factors means more power out ofthe relatively same cost of manufacturing (more voltage and or amperageand thus more maximum power from the same surface). When comparing PVmanufacturing companies’ technologies consider current, and future bandgaps, temperature corrections and fill factors.
Over time, PV performance is typically reduced due to weatherization,packaging and PV cell material degradation. Comparison of different PVtechnologies should include annualperformance degradation. For example, lower grade silicon feedstocks will have higher annual performance degradation. There is thepotential for new, high quality PV materials and packaging that have noannual degradation. Certain certification tests attempt to simulateperformance degradation over time, like IEC 61215 for crystallinesilicon and IEC 61646 for thin films. However these certificationprocedures do not have the ability to expose the modules to sunlightfor the years and years needed to evaluate actual annual degradation.My brethren in the industry might be upset with this suggestion, butunder nondisclosure you should ask manufactures for the historicalpaper trail and results from all certification tests. Huge investmentsin PV manufacturing companies as well as PV projects should know thedocumented test results for bankability assurances.
Another finer system level detail in comparing PV technologies iswhether it is deposited on glass or aflexible substrate. Glass needs to be held in place with astructure that insure it will not fly away, fall down or break.Flexible PV modules promise to be integrated into building materials,similar to the way United Solar, a division of
Two approaches in the PV industry can help assure the potential longterm performance of a PV system. One approach is to do internaldue diligence, risk analysis and bankability evaluations including allthe finer system level details some of which are discussed above.Another approach is to obtain project performance insurance, possiblycombined with an acceptable level of internal analysis. Performanceinsurance is a new aspect to the PV industry which can help to assureproject financial performance overtime. Chartis (formerly AIG), ZurichInsurance Group, The Hartford Financial Services group, ACE Limited, JPMorgan, Chubb Group of Insurance Companies, Munich RE and others arebeginning to step into this PV performance insurance function. Theinsurance industry is developing new risk management products for thematuring PV industry like business interruption Insurance, which can beused in lieu of internal assurances. These new insurance products donot eliminate the need to ensure bankability of the modules, systems,and quality of installation, but they can make the job easier.
Joseph McCabe is a solar industryveteran with over 20 years in the business and degrees in MechanicalEngineering, Masters of Nuclear and Energy Engineering and an MBA. Heis an American Solar Energy Society Fellow, a Professional Engineer,and is internationally recognized as an expert in thin film PV, BIPVand Photovoltaic/Thermal solar industry activities. Joe can be reachedat energy [no space] ideasat gmail dotcom.
Posted by Guest Contributor on October 5, 2010 01:42 PM | Finer System Level Details for the Comparison of Photovoltaic Technologies advertise here
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