Heterojunction-with-Intrinsic-Thin-Layer Photovoltaic Panels Operation—Numerical Simulation and Outdoor Tests in Moscow

Abstract

The research has been devoted to benefits for heterojunction silicon PV panels application evaluation. Evaluation has been conducted through numerical simulation and field tests in Moscow conditions. During simulation PV array year energy yields for HJT monocrystalline Si panels have been derived for 2013–2018 years using NASA Power initial satellite data on solar radiation daily sums. Experimental investigation has been realized through multicrystalline and HJT panel comparative test using test bed, simulating small off-grid power unit. Specific energy yield of panel (ratio of energy yield for given period of time to the panel peak power) has been chosen as a criterion for panels operation comparison in both cases. The research novelty is concerned with attempt to estimate additional energy, produced due to amorphous silicon layer presence by means of field tests in different weather conditions. Calculation showed no benefits for HJT PV panels. Experimental research showed that up to 5–6 kWh/m²/day solar radiation sum value HJT panel provides 1–20% power output gain relatively multicrystalline panel with maximum gain of 14–16% in range of 2–2.5 kWh/m²/day solar radiation sum values.