Effects of spectral albedo on solar photovoltaic devices

• Published in: Solar energy materials and solar cells Vol. 124; pp. 111 - 116
• Main Authors: Brennan, M.P., Abramase, A.L., Andrews, R.W., Pearce, J.M.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier B.V 01.05.2014; Elsevier
• Subjects: Albedo; Applied sciences; Arrays; Bias; Direct energy conversion and energy accumulation; Electric power; Electrical engineering. Electrical power engineering; Electrical power engineering; Electronics; Energy; Engineering Sciences; Equipments, installations and applications; Exact sciences and technology; Materials; Materials selection; Natural energy; Optics; Optimization; Photoelectric conversion; Photonic; Photovoltaic; Photovoltaic cells; Photovoltaic conversion; Quantum efficiency; Solar cells; Solar cells. Photoelectrochemical cells; Solar energy; Spectra; Spectral albedo; Spectral mismatch factor; Spectral response; Spectral mismatch factor; Spectral response; Photovoltaic; Albedo; Quantum efficiency; Spectral albedo; Performance evaluation; Building integrated photovoltaics; Photovoltaic system; Material selection; Topology; Quantum yield; Mismatching; Modeling; Optimization; Pitched roof; Photovoltaic cell; Wide band; Ground surface; Photovoltaic array; System simulation; Reflectance; reflection; quantum efficiency; spectral response; photovoltaic; spectral albedo; spectral mismatch factor; albedo
• ISSN: 0927-0248; 1879-3398
• DOI: 10.1016/j.solmat.2014.01.046

Although the spectral effects of direct and diffuse radiation on solar photovoltaic (PV) performance are relatively well understood, recent investigations have shown that there can be a spectral bias introduced due to albedo from common ground surfaces that can impact the optimal selection of PV materials for a known location. This paper extends analysis to the effects of spectral bias due to the specular reflectivity of 22 commonly occurring surface materials (both man-made and natural) and analyzes the albedo effects on the performance of seven PV materials covering three common PV system topologies: industrial (solar farms), commercial flat rooftops and residential pitched roof applications. An effective albedo is found for each surface material and PV material combination, which can be used in lieu of broadband albedo values in PV simulations. These results enable PV material selection for specific environments enabling geographic optimization for the micro-environment, while at the same time assisting optimal surface selection in the vicinity of existing or planned PV arrays. This analysis is of particular significance for the modeling of performance of bi-facial PV modules and vertical BIPV. [Display omitted] •Spectral bias from ground albedo impacts optimal selection of photovoltaic materials.•Analyzed specular reflectivity of 22 commonly occurring surface materials.•Determined albedo effects on the performance of seven PV materials.•Investigated solar farms, commercial flat rooftops and residential pitched roofs.•Results enable PV selection for environments enabling geographic optimization.