QCPV: A quality control algorithm for distributed photovoltaic array power output

Distributed PV power output measurements and their metadata are subject to significant errors and uncertainty. However, no standard mechanism for quality controlling these data is currently available within the literature. For this purpose, we present a two part approach to parameterize PV system metadata and quality control their power output measurements. These methods are based on open-source solver routines and require only one exogenous input (ambient temperature), and therefore are widely applicable. The method allows for PV array orientation to be determined to within ∼4°. Furthermore a loss factor LF is derived which captures overall PV system losses and correctly detects a mean degradation of the modules of ∼0.5% per annum over time. The central routine, entitled QCPV, imposes system specific limits on the measured data mainly through the use of the extraterrestrial irradiance and the clear sky index for photovoltaics kpv. It also enables, amongst other things, the detection of cloud enhancement events and spurious power output reporting through the application of across systems statistics.