Power generating behavior of thin-film silicon hybrid solar cell systems in Japan

Thin-film silicon hybrid (a-Si/poly-Si stacked) solar cell modules whose conversion efficiency is around 10% have come into market since April, 2001. Field data of several BIPV system applications of thin-film silicon hybrid solar cell for about two years are presented, and compared with that of a-Si PV modules. DC PV system efficiency of thin-film silicon hybrid solar cell modules system shows very little seasonal fluctuation and is around 8% which is correspond to 9.4% temperature corrected value. On the other hand, that of a-Si module shows around 10% seasonal fluctuation. System performance ratio of both systems are mainly affected by set up and around 80% if one set up properly. For the rated efficiency of the thin-film silicon hybrid solar cell module is 9.04% in this case, thin-film silicon hybrid solar cell modules system generate more power than rated value, which is in good agreement with field test data of the modules which is presented separately. Although performance of thin-film photovoltaic modules are affected by S-W effect, irradiance spectrum, temperature coefficient, it looks there is liner relation between ambient temperature and performance ratio and helps easy estimation of PA performance.