A Time-Dependent Model for CdTe PV Module Temperature in Utility-Scale Systems

A model for photovoltaic (PV) module temperature is developed and validated for fixed tilt utility-scale PV systems. The proposed solution allows for the modeling of PV module temperature at time scales less than 1 h by introducing a time dependence of the module temperature based on module heat capacity. The model is found to be more accurate than commonly used PV module temperature models at both the hourly and subhourly time scales. Results suggest an increase in modeling accuracy based on the energy weighted mean absolute error by a minimum of 0.2 °C to a maximum of 2.0 °C.