PV-modules at the facade of an inner courtyard-measurements and simulation

Abstract

For a PV generator installed at the facade of an inner courtyard, the irradiance losses due to shadowing have to be assessed and the PV modules must be connected in such away that the energy losses accumulated during the year are minimized. Besides direct radiation losses, the buildings surrounding the courtyard also cause a permanent reduction of the view factor, i.e. the sky section from which the modules receive light, which is different for every module of the facade. The influence of the diminished view factor on diffuse radiation under different irradiance conditions is calculated and validated by measurement. Profiles of the shadow, two different PV-module connection and the influence of a different number of bypass diodes on energy conversion are investigated.