A Novel Implicit Model Determines the Photovoltaic Panel Temperature and Environmental Effects*

The subject of this study assesses the photovoltaic (PV) module operating temperature's relation to efficiency via a novel numerical heat transfer model and proposes an implicit equation.

The literature has reported that PV modules with higher operating temperatures impact the PV module efficiency [1,2]. There are dozens of explicit and implicit equations to define the PV module temperature. However, they are not universal, and for each application, it is essential to insert correction coefficients depending on environments and boundary conditions [2]. In this study, we propose a numerical model concerning the solar radiation flux, solar ray direction with respect to the ground level, convective heat transfer coefficient, tilt angle, ambient temperature, PV power output, PV panel efficiency, and environmental properties [3].

The result from the suggested model matches the extant empirical works of related literature. The model is capable of covering a more comprehensive range of PV modules. The module efficiency has a linear relationship to the PV module temperature in the suggested model, which is well-known in the literature [4]. It illustrates that the PV module operating temperature has proportional variations with ambient temperature and solar flux, as reported in previous studies. The implicit proposed equation identifies that heat transfer convection changes with the PV module tilt angle, causing the PV module operating temperature effects.