Estimation of photovoltaic module yearly temperature and performance based on Nominal Operation Cell Temperature calculations

The simulation of module temperature from Nominal Operation Cell Temperature (NOCT) is widely used to easily estimate module performance along the year. In this context, it is important to determine this parameter in a reliable way, as it is used to compare the performance of different module designs and can influence system predictions. At present there are several international standards that indicate the method to calculate NOCT in crystalline and thin-film terrestrial photovoltaic modules. This work presents the results obtained when applying these standards to different types of PV modules, including glass–glass and glass–tedlar structures, crystalline and thin-film technologies, and some special module designs for building integration applications. NOCT values so calculated have been used to estimate the yearly module temperature and performance for different orientations and tilted angles, analysing temperature influence in these estimations. Possible error sources that could bring about erroneous values of NOCT are also analysed.