A simple rating method for CPV modules and systems

Abstract

Right now, there is no agreed definition and measurement method for rating concentrator photovoltaic. This paper discusses present situation of the ratings of CPV modules and systems. First, it was analyzed which factors have influence to the performance to CPV modules and systems. Next, the linear interpolation method that is known as a robust estimator especially to multi-junction thin film modules is discussed. The test data was provided from Toyohashi University of Technology where a 550 X CPV module (20 cells connected in series and the total area is 5,445 cm <sup xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">2</sup> ) was tested independently. The relative standard deviation was 0.89 %, whereas that of the linear interpolation method was 1.2 %. Different from the linear interpolation method, this stratified averaging method is unbiased.