Analysis of photovoltaic module energy output under operating conditions in South Africa

South Africa does not have any industry standard methodology to evaluate photovoltaic (PV) modules for energy production. The aim of this study is to characterize the energy production of PV modules deployed outdoors at the University of Port Elizabeth (UPE), Summerstrand, South Africa, with the view of facilitating such a standard. The system developed for this study was designed to monitor the energy production of seven PV modules under normal operating conditions. An analysis of energy production of three of the PV modules under test, while operating under prevailing outdoor conditions, is given. Measured energy output is also compared with that predicted using an energy model