Thin film silicon photovoltaic module performance assessment

This report evaluates the performance through December, 1986 of 15 commercially-available thin film silicon-hydrogen alloy PV modules manufactured by ARCO Solar, Chronar, ECD/Sovonics, and Solarex. Advances in the technology are indicated by the performance improvements associated with each generation of thin film silicon-hydrogen alloy PV modules introduced to the commercial market. Mounted at a 30 degree tilt facing due south, all of the thin film PV modules under evaluation have experienced decreased efficiency and fill factor on initial sun exposure. Midday efficiency tends to be highest during the summer and lowest during the winter. The seasonal change in midday air mass from 1.0 during the summer to 1.4 during the winter is among the factors that counteract the temperature effects and cause lowered efficiency and fill factor values during the winter