predictive energy modeling

with solarworld and pvsyst

Americas Authority on Solar

SolarWorld PVsyst Results

introduction
As one of the largest and most established vertically integrated photovoltaics
manufacturers on the planet, SolarWorld is intimately involved with every step
of the solar PV value chain from raw silicon to installed systems to end-of-life
recycling. This complete knowledgebase combined with our extensive history
provides the critical insight required to lead the solar industry on technical topics.

The purpose of this white paper is to discuss energy

output projections for SW 255 monocrystalline
silicon photovoltaic SolarWorld Sunmodule Plus solar
modules using predictive energy modeling. PAN
files were created by Black and Veatch, a global
engineering, consulting and construction company,
and the test measurements were provided by PV
Evolution Lab (PVEL), a leading third-party testing lab.
The test measurements qualified the performance
metrics of samples at multiple irradiance and
temperature conditions in accordance with the IEC
61859-1 test standard. SolarWorld utilized this thirdparty validated information to carry out predictive
modeling of the energy output for a sample PV system
in several climates throughout the United States.

Black & Veatch created a base case PAN file for the
module using the datasheet and PVSyst defaults.
After evaluating the fit of the base case PAN file
efficiency curves to the measured efficiency curves,
discrepancies were uncovered between the curves.
PAN file input parameters were adjusted accordingly
to reach the closest fit of the PVSyst modeled
efficiency curves to the PVEL measured curves,
which resulted in the final optimized PAN file.
The predicted energy modeling that results from the
optimized PAN files will provide the economic viability
of a project, and drive the selection of the module,
inverter and type of mounting system that will be
used in a project.

SolarWorld PVsyst Results

PVSYST
The predominant modeling program used in the
United States is PVSyst. PVSyst has a database
of profiles referred to as PAN files for every
module produced in the world by all of the major
manufacturers. These PAN file parameters can be
accessed through the Photon Database for PV
modules. There are two other means to access
PAN files. Sometimes, the module manufacturer
will create their own PAN files using the information
included in their datasheet and their internal R&D
results. The reliability of PAN files developed through
this method is questionable since there is no third
party involvement in the development of this data.
The third method of developing PAN files is to
engage third-party organizations to perform testing
and use the data with predictive algorithms based
on academic research and historical real-world
performance data of the system. This third method
will provide the most reliable data. These PAN files
would also be provided by the module manufacturer
but will state the methodology used and
organizations involved in the third-party validation.
The PV design software, PVSyst Version 5, has several
module parameters that must be modified to
accurately reflect the performance of a SolarWorld
Sunmodule Plus module. These parameters are:
NOCT
Mismatch losses
Power losses
Temperature coefficients

To determine the power output of the solar cell, it

is important to determine the expected operating
temperature of the PV module. The Nominal
Operating Cell Temperature (NOCT) is defined as the
temperature reached by open circuited cells in a
module under the following conditions:
1. Irradiance on cell surface = 800 W/m2
2. Air Temperature = 25 C
3. Wind Velocity = 1 m/s
4. Mounting = open back side
Pre-Module Losses
Power losses occur when the module does not
deliver the power as stated in the datasheet,
which is why manufacturers often provide a
tolerance of up to 5%.
SolarWorlds unique plus-sorting method ensures
their modules deliver greater than or equal
to nameplate-rated power thus ensuring that
systems operate at top efficiency. Plus-sorting
also eliminates mismatch losses that occur when
cells or modules do not have identical properties.
As a result, associated de-rate factors in system
modeling programs such as PVSyst can be
minimized.
Shading is an important factor because partial
shading can cause significance energy loss.
Shadows may occur as result of modules being
blocked by trees, chimneys, etc.
Dirt may also may be the cause of some energy
losses. In temperate regions where there is
frequent rainfall, the losses could be as low as
1%. However, in arid regions with dust and only
seasonal rainfall, the loss could be up to 25%.
Snow does not typically have a very significant effect
on system losses. However, depending on the location
of the project, this element may need to be taken into
consideration.

Figure 1. PVSyst PAN File for SW 265 Wp.

SolarWorld PVsyst Results

Reflection effects of the module could increase

with the angle of incidence and decrease with a
large portion of diffused light.
Module Losses
Conversion losses are the nominal efficiency given
by the manufacturer for standard conditions.
Thermal losses will affect conversion losses directly.
These losses depend on irradiance, mounting
method, glass, thermal properties of materials and
wind speeds.
System Losses
Wiring losses occur through cabling; all cable has
some resistance and, as a result, some losses.
MPP is the ability of the MPP tracker to consistently
find the maximum power point which typically
creates losses due to mismatch power of modules
do not need to be accounted for in a SolarWorld
system due to the consistency and reliability of the
power output.
Inverter efficiency is another factor that causes
system losses. For example, if the inverter is
undersized, power is clipped for high intensity light.
If it is oversized, the inverters efficiency will be too
low for low intensity light.
Transformer losses occur in cases that require
electricity to be connected to a high-voltage grid.
Operation & Maintenance
Downtime for maintenance is usually very low for
photovoltaic systems.
Efficiency of Module
By definition, operating efficiency of a solar module
is the ratio between electric power delivered to the
load and incident light intensity. It is affected by
the four main factors of cells: temperature, sunlight
intensity, sun angle and load.

Energy yield and Performance ratio

For investors and operators, there are two
fundamental questions:
1. How much electricity does the system generate?
2. How well does the system perform?
The value of a project is driven by the amount of
energy that can be produced from the amount of
power installed. The Energy Yield (kWh / kW) is the
theoretical annual energy production on the AC side
of the module, and only takes into account energy
of incoming light and the modules nominal efficiency.
Energy Yield is a great metric for evaluating system
performance, and comparing predicted and actual
energy produced by PV systems of differing size. The
yield on energy has a direct impact on the financials
of a project, and can be used to calculate the Economic Yield of the system kWh/ kW/$.

Actual energy yield

=
kWh
produced

kWp
installed

Economic

yield

Installed
cost

The Performance Ratio is the ratio between actual

yield based on real-world conditions or annual
production of electricity delivered at AC and the
target yield. The Performance Ratio essentially
normalizes the Energy Yield for a given system over
the irradiation measured at the location of the
system. This allows an investor or EPC to compare
systems that may differ in design, technology and
geographic location. Also, by normalizing data
with respect to actual irradiance, it quantifies the
overall effect of losses on the rated output, which
could be caused by inverter inefficiency, wiring,
soiling, etc. Using real-world data to generate actual
Performance Ratios provides increased confidence
for investors in their selection of solar modules.

SolarWorld PVsyst Results

Actual energy yield

Reference yield

=
kWh
produced

kWp
installed

Measured
irradiance

Performance

ratio

Standard
reference

Methodology
As mentioned previously, PAN files are profiles of
modules in PVSyst. Obtaining a validated PAN file is
valuable for module manufacturers, owners, lenders,
developers and EPC contractors. This new, validated
module characterization file better quantifies various
critical module performance curves over a wide
range of irradiance and temperature conditions,
and reduces risk and financial exposure for energy
predictions.
SolarWorld partnered with PV Evolutions to conduct
IEC 61853-1 testing and Black & Veatch to modify
PAN files and provide validation as a third-party
engineering firm. For companies developing PV
products and projects, PV Evolution Labs (PVEL) is
the premier solar module performance and reliability
testing lab. PVELs calibrated equipment base is
closely maintained to ensure optimal availability
and reliability. Black & Veatch has been ranked by
Engineering News-Record as the industrys No. 1
design firm in both Power and Telecommunications,
and is consistently in the Top 10 in Water. They are
also a leader in more than 20 categories among
design firms, contractors and environmental
companies worldwide.

PV Evolution Labs (PVEL) randomly sampled five SW

255 mono modules from SolarWorlds inventory. The
modules were placed in outdoor sunlight to promote
light-induced degradation (LID). After calibrating
the flash tester to the SolarWorld reference module,
the five modules were flash-tested according to
IEC 60904-1, as well as their temperatures and
irradiances with respect to Table 2 of the IEC 61853-1
specification.
PV Evolution Labs (PVEL) contracted Black &
Veatch to create a photovoltaic (PV) module
characterization file, known as a PAN file, for use in
PVSyst modeling. Black & Veatch took the following
approach:
1. Measured Data: They processed raw measured
data from PVEL and developed Measured
efficiency curves for the 255 W module under
certain irradiance and module temperatures.
2. Base Case PAN File: Then created a Base Case
PAN file using parameters from the module
datasheet and default values in PVSyst, and
compared the resulting Base Case Modeled
efficiency curves to measured efficiency curves
from Step 1 to determine the extent of deviation.
3. Optimization: Finally, they adjusted PAN file
parameters until modeled efficiency curves
generated by PVSyst match the measured curves
as closely as possible.
The information from PVEL and Black & Veatch were
provided to SolarWorld with technical details that
are not included in this paper. If further information is
needed, a more detailed report can be provided.

SolarWorld PVsyst Results

18
16

12
10
8
6

Measured (scaled) data

Base case PAN file

Module Temp.
( C)

15

25

50

1000

800

600

400

200

1000

800

600

400

200

1000

800

600

400

200

600

400

200

0
Irradiance
(W/m2)

1000

Optimized PAN file

800

Module Efficiency (%)

14

75

Figure 2. Measured, Base Case and Optimized Efficiency Curve for the SW 255.
PV module: SolarWorld SW 255
18
16

Module Efficiency (%)

14
12
10
8
6
4

Cells temp = 10C

Relative efficiency loss by respect to 1000

Cells temp = 25C

W/m2 (at 25C). 1000 W/m2, Eff = 15.86 %

Cells temp = 50C

800 W/m2, -1.3 %

Cells temp = 75C

600 W/m2, -3.1 %

Cells temp = 90C

400 W/m2, -5.7 %

200 W/m2, -10.3 %

2
0

200

400

600

800

Incident global (W/m )

2

Figure 3. PVSyst Efficiency Curves for the Base Case SW 255.

1000

SolarWorld PVsyst Results

PV module: SolarWorld SW 255

18
16

Module Efficiency (%)

14
12
10
8
6
4

Cells temp = 1C

Relative efficiency loss by respect to 1000

Cells temp = 15C

W/m2 (at 25C). 1000 W/m2, Eff = 15.11 %

Cells temp = 25C

800 W/m2, 0.4 %

Cells temp = 50C

600 W/m2, 0.5 %

Cells temp = 75C

400 W/m2, -0.2 %

200 W/m2, -2.6 %

2
0

200

400

600

800

1000

Incident global (W/m )

2

Figure 4. PVSyst Efficiency Curves for the Optimized SW 255 PAN File.

Modeling Analysis

PVSyst Model:

As stated previously, PVSyst is the predominant

program that is being used in the United States.
SolarWorld used PVSyst 5.57 to create the predicted
energy model for SW 255 monocrystalline modules.
The purpose: to compare the modules performance
in a location with high insolation. Module mismatch
and module quality losses were used to define
their PVSyst default values, which are based on a
modules specified power tolerance in accordance
with its specification datasheet.

1. 1.15 MW grid-connected project

2. High desert climate
3. The system is a single-axis tracker (N-S) with
rotating phi of minimum -45 and maximum +45
4. SMA 500 (Sunny Central 500-HE-US) inverter
5. NOCT values inserted in the model based on
modules datasheet
The following tables compare the SW 255
monocrystalline with other SolarWorld competitors.

SolarWorld PVsyst Results

california, palmdale (62.42F, 14.11 ft/s)

(latitude of 34.63, longitude of -118.08 and altitude of 769 M above sea level).
SW 255
Mono B & V

Competitor A
260 Mono

Competitor B
260 Mono

Competitor C
327 Mono

Competitor D
280 Poly

Number of modules

4,511

4,424

4,420

3,520

4,103

Total DC capacity (kWp)

1,026

1,026

1,018

1,042

1,017

Energy yield (kWh/kWp/yr)

2,335

2,262

2,305

2,321

2,274

Type

Performance ratio

81.9

79.3

80.8

81.4

79.7

Efficiency of the modules

15.21

16.19

16.19

20.1

14.4

82.5%

2,360
Energy yield (kWh/kWp/yr)
Performance ratio

2,340

82%
81.5%

2,320
81%
2,300

80.5%
80%

2,280

79.5%

2,260

79%
2,240

2,220

78.5%

SW 255
Mono B & V

Competitor A
260 Mono

Competitor B
260 Mono

Competitor C
327 Mono

Competitor D
280 Poly

78%

Figure 5. Performance Ratio and Energy Yield for the 1 MW System in Palmdale, California.

SolarWorld PVsyst Results

The modules were also modeled in different

climates; the states with similar radiation as
Palmdale (California) were chosen from the
map provided by NREL.

Figure 6. United States Concentrating Solar Power Resource:

Direct Normal.
The following tables represent predicted energy modeling of SW 255 monocrystalline in the selected states.

New Jersey, Teteboro (53.78F, 12.14 ft/s)

(latitude of 40.85, longitude of -74.07 and altitude of 3 M above sea level).
SW 255
Mono B & V

Competitor A
260 Mono

Competitor B
260 Mono

Competitor C
327 Mono

Competitor D
280 Poly

Number of modules

4,508

4,424

4,420

1,151

4,103

Total DC capacity (kWp)

1,026

1,026

1,018

1,042

1,017

Energy yield (kWh/kWp/yr)

1,379

1,324

1,358

1,354

1,330

Performance ratio

85.9

82.5

84.6

81.4

82.9

Efficiency of the modules

15.21

16.19

16.19

20.1

14.4

Type

87%

1,390
Energy yield (kWh/kWp/yr)

1,380

Performance ratio

86%

1,370
85%

1,360
1,350

84%

1,340
83%

1,330
1,320

82%

1,310
81%

1,300
1,290

SW 255
Mono B & V

Competitor A
260 Mono

Competitor B
260 Mono

Competitor C
327 Mono

Competitor D
280 Poly

80%

Figure 7. Performance Ratio and Energy Yield for the 1 MW System in Teteboro, New Jersey.

SolarWorld PVsyst Results

oregon, portland (52.52F, 7.22 ft/s)

(latitude of 45.53, longitude of -122.95 and altitude of 62 M above sea level).
SW 255
Mono B & V

Competitor A
260 Mono

Competitor B
260 Mono

Competitor C
327 Mono

Competitor D
280 Poly

Number of modules

4,508

4,424

4,420

3,520

4,103

Total DC capacity (kWp)

1,026

1,026

1,018

1,042

1,017

Energy yield (kWh/kWp/yr)

1,417

1,364

1,396

1,394

1,362

Performance ratio

85.2

82

84

83.8

81.9

Efficiency of the modules

15.21

16.19

16.19

20.1

14.4

Type

86%

1,430
Energy yield (kWh/kWp/yr)

1,420

Performance ratio

1,410
1,400

85%

84%

1,390
1,380

83%

1,370
82%

1,360
1,350

81%

13,40
1,330

SW 255
Mono B & V

Competitor A
260 Mono

Competitor B
260 Mono

Competitor C
327 Mono

Competitor D
280 Poly

Figure 8. Performance Ratio and Energy Yield for the 1 MW System in Portland, Oregon.

80%

SolarWorld PVsyst Results

SW-02-5156US-PVS 10-2012 |

10

florida, orlando (71.78F, 10.83 ft/s)

(latitude of 28.55, longitude of -81.33 and altitude of 33 M above sea level).
SW 255
Mono B & V

Competitor A
260 Mono

Competitor B
260 Mono

Competitor C
327 Mono

Competitor D
280 Poly

Number of modules

4,508

4,424

4,420

3,520

4,103

Total DC capacity (kWp)

1,026

1,026

1,018

1,042

1,017

Energy yield (kWh/kWp/yr)

1,710

1,636

1,677

1,686

1,639

Performance ratio

82.4

78.8

80.8

81.3

79

Efficiency of the modules

15.21

16.19

16.19

20.1

14.4

Type

83%

1,720
Energy yield (kWh/kWp/yr)
Performance ratio

1,700

82%

1,680
81%
1,660
80%
1,640
79%

1,620

78%

1,600

1,580

SW 255
Mono B & V

Competitor A
260 Mono

Competitor B
260 Mono

Competitor C
327 Mono

Competitor D
280 Poly

77%

Figure 9. Performance Ratio and Energy Yield for the 1 MW System in Orlando, Florida.
As is shown through the test results against
competitive modules, efficiency of a module
should never be looked at to solely predict the
actual performance of a solar system. SolarWorld
has put over 35 years of real world experience into
designing our modules to provide the best results.
Even against systems designed with higher powered,
larger modules, the SolarWorld module consistently
outperforms in energy yield which is in fact, the
most important measurement when looking at the

bankability and financial viability of a solar system.

And the 3rd party verification by impartial, reputable
organizations further mitigates any risk of poor system
performance that installers, financing partners and
system owners are concerned about. As you can
see from the information shared in this white paper,
not all solar is created equal. The innovations in
manufacturing and technological advancements
put into SolarWorld modules delivers superior
performance time and time again.