kWh/kWp dependency on PV technology and balance of systems performance

Abstract

BP Solar is continually analysing performance data on various PV technologies in a long term test program using logging sites worldwide with data from third parties, test houses and in house measurements. kWh/kWp values are calculated to show the energy generated divided by the nameplate STC rating. This paper studies how only some of the differences found depend on the intrinsic properties of the PV module and how much depend on other factors like BOS performance (inverter, V/sub MAX/ tracking) and "rated versus actual" watts.