On the matter of proposed new low-latitude solar reference spectra

For decades, photovoltaic (PV) modules have been manufactured and tested under conditions that are not globally representative. With the emergence of renewable energy as a viable alternative to fossil fuel, a greater level of scrutiny is being targeted towards standards by which this renewable energy generation is being attended. Standard test conditions (STC) along with the established mid-latitude-based reference spectra are among the standards used to rate PV modules internationally. However, with the global impact that renewable energy technology is currently having and will continue to have in the future, such a new system that accounts for low-latitude regions of the world is imperative; and it has been proposed through this research paper. The model capitalizes on the gains of the current standards used, in order to account for the differences in the combination of spectral distribution, module temperature, solar irradiance and meteorological conditions that are representative of lower latitude regions. Equally important, the development of regional spectra is expected to increase the level of interest and investments in this technology, yielding an economy of scale reduction in the cost of solar PV systems in the region. This work centers on the need to develop a system of regional standardization using the Caribbean and Latin America as a test case. New reference spectra are proposed with the advantage of more relevant solar ratings for the region. The methodology employed in this research paper is also being proposed as a generic tool for other regions exploring regional standardization.