Assessment of improved models for predicting PV module temperature and their electrical performance in a semi-arid coastal region

The performance of photovoltaic (PV) modules is affected by the increase in their operating temperature. Accurate and reliable prediction of the PV module operating temperature (T-M) is useful for evaluating their electrical performance and productivity and predicting the maximum power point under changing weather conditions. Based on experimental measurements collected during 1 year by a station placed in a semi-arid coastal region, in Morocco, several models are investigated to predict T-M of polycrystalline PV modules. Starting from existing models in the literature, models have been developed to improve the accuracy of their prediction in the studied climate. The results show that irradiance (G) and ambient temperature are the most influential parameters for estimating the T-M of the studied PV module. The accuracy of the prediction can be improved by introducing the effects of V-w and RH in the proposed models. In addition, using the physical parameter extraction results of the studied modules, equations are established to approximately predict their behavior as a function of T-M and G. Taking into account the proposed T-M models, these equations describing the physical parameter evolution can constitute an important basis for predicting PV module performance under real operating conditions.