Performance measurements of monocrystalline silicon PV modules in South-eastern Italy

The study is focused on the monitoring of the performances of a photovoltaic system, influenced of climatic characteristics of a particular geographical area, in which the PV system is installed.This paper presents the results obtained by monitoring, from March to October 2012, a 960 kWp photovoltaic system installed on the parking lots in the campus of the University of Salento, Italy and divided in two subfields with different tilt angle (3–15°) and different nominal powers (353.3 kWp and 606.6 kWp). The values of energy and power generated, final yield, reference yield, photovoltaic system efficiency, performance ratio and cell temperature losses are analyzed and linked to the climatic characteristics of the site, such as insolation (for the two distinct subfield), ambient temperature and wind speed. This study is part of the European Project “Buildings Energy Advanced Management System, BEAMS”, and its aim is to develop an advanced, integrated management system for buildings and special infrastructures of public use. This work offers a tool to estimate the performances of plants to be installed in sites with climatic characteristics similar to South-eastern Italy, and it is also useful as comparison to investigate the productivity of plants placed in different areas.

► The study underlines the real performances of a PV system in South-eastern Italy.
► Power generated, final yield, PV efficiency are linked to climatic characteristics.
► The study shows the dependency of the efficiency from module temperature.
► AC power increases almost linearly with the solar irradiance.
► Comparisons with other PV systems located in different sites have been done.