3.

6 Temperature effect
and ventilation
3.6.1 Effect of heat
In a solar water heater for instance, the higher the temperature, the better the per-
formance. PV technologies are quite different because their efficiency decreases
when module temperature increases.
PV modules convert 10–15% of the solar energy into electricity. Therefore the vast
majority of the incident energy is converted into heat. For crystalline silicon cells,
the efficiency changes almost linearly by –0.4% for every degree rise in tempera-
ture. For amorphous silicon cells, the effect is roughly half this depending on the
specific production process. The temperature difference between PV and ambient
depends on irradiation intensity and can climb by more than 40°C. In the summer,
with high ambient temperatures, the PV temperature can therefore reach about 70°
to 75°C.
Module manufacturers sometimes specify the nominal operating cell temperature
(NOCT). This cell temperature is determined for an irradiance of 800W/m2, an
ambient temperature of 20°C and a wind velocity of 1m/s.

3.6.2 Power reduction values

The temperature the PV actually reaches depends on how well it can dissipate the
heat. If the PV is insulated at the rear side, it can only lose heat at the front side,
which reduces its heat loss capability. If possible, an air gap should be created
between the PV and the building structure behind, which allows cooling of the PV
laminate by natural convection (Fig. 3.18).
Here are some indicative values of power reduction for crystalline silicon modules
in various roof mountings, as compared to the power output of a completely free-
standing array which would be just 22°C warmer than ambient:
― with a large gap –1.8% (28°C warmer)
― with good ventilation –2 .1% (29°C warmer)
― with poor ventilation –2 .6% (32°C warmer)
― with no ventilation –5.4% (43°C warmer)

A vertical façade is less well cooled than a roof installation. Here are indicative
values of power reduction for a vertical façade, again compared to a free-standing
array:
― with good ventilation –3.9% (35°C warmer)
― with poor ventilation –4 .8% (39°C warmer)
― with no ventilation –8.9% (55°C warmer)

Fig. 3.18 Where possible it is recommended that

the PV modules dissipate the heat gain from solar
irradiation. This schematic shows installation of an
array on a roof where a gap between the PV and the
building envelope encourages natural convection to
assist cooling.

40 3. PV FOR DESIGNERS