A power generation estimate of cylindrically-shaped flexible PV cell systems for off-grid use

Flexible photovoltaic (PV) have received a great deal of attention for use in off-grid systems. At present, the most important issue to be resolved is the optimum shape of flexible PV cells for obtaining maximum power output. A design tool specifically tailored for the flexible PV cell is required for this purpose. In the present study, a new method is proposed for estimating the power output of a cylindrically-shaped flexible PV cell, taking into account the uneven insolation that occurs for a curved surface. The average insolation over the area of the entire cell is used in the equation of the proposed method for a cylindrically-shaped flexible PV cell. The average insolation is calculated based on the directional dependence of the insolation and the shape of the PV cell. The estimated and measured amounts of power output are proportional to the average insolation over area of the entire cell.