Outdoor testing of free standing PV module temperature under desert climate: a comparative study

Understanding and quantifying photovoltaic (PV) module (cell) temperature are key since they directly affect the performance of the photovoltaic modules in the different meteorological conditions. In this work, two of the most common models, i.e. linear- and thermal-model, for predicting the temperature of photovoltaic modules have been studied and discussed. The two models were validated under two different climate conditions (hot and cold), and under two different sky situations (cloud and clear sky) for a free standing monocrystalline photovoltaic module installed in a harsh climate, Adrar (southern Algeria). It is found that the thermal model predicts temperature better than the Ross model. Nevertheless, both models are strongly over-biased in temperature predictions with a root mean square error (RMSE) less than 2.85°C and a coefficient of determination (R 2) greater than 92%. © 2019 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.