Quantum mechanics

Voltage

Engineering

Reliability engineering

Statistics

Power (physics)

Data mining

Computer science

Visual arts

Thermodynamics

Physics

Mathematics

Temperature measurement

Electronic engineering

Environmental science

Measurement uncertainty

Measure (data warehouse)

Term (time)

Photovoltaic system

Sizing

Electrical engineering

The term "temperature coefficient" has been applied to several different photovoltaic performance parameters, including voltage, current and power. The procedures for measuring the coefficient(s) for modules and arrays are not yet standardized and systematic influences are common in the test methods used to measure them. There are also misconceptions regarding their application. Yet, temperature coefficients, however obtained, play an important role in PV power system design and sizing, where often the worst case operating condition dictates the array size. This paper: describes effective methods for determining temperature coefficients for cells, modules and arrays; identifies sources of systematic errors in measurements; gives typical measured values for modules; and provides guidance for their application in system engineering.

Temperature coefficients for PV modules and arrays: measurement methods, difficulties, and results