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Type Paper
Cite as Citation reference for the source document. M.P. Brennan, A.L. Abramase, R.W. Andrews, J. M. Pearce, Effects of spectral albedo on solar photovoltaic devices, Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells, 124, pp. 111-116,(2014). DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.solmat.2014.01.046. open access

Although the spectral effects of direct and diffuse radiation on solar photovoltaic (PV) performance are relatively well understood, recent investigations have shown that there can be a spectral bias introduced due to albedo from common ground surfaces that can impact the optimal selection of PV materials for a known location. This paper extends analysis to the effects of spectral bias due to the specular reflectivity of 22 commonly occurring surface materials (both man-made and natural) and analyzes the albedo effects on the performance of seven PV materials covering three common PV system topologies: industrial (solar farms), commercial flat rooftops and residential pitched roof applications. An effective albedo is found for each surface material and PV material combination, which can be used in lieu of broadband albedo values in PV simulations. These results enable PV material selection for specific environments enabling geographic optimization for the micro-environment, while at the same time assisting optimal surface selection in the vicinity of existing or planned PV arrays. This analysis is of particular significance for the modeling of performance of bi-facial PV modules and vertical BIPV.

Highlights[edit | edit source]

  • Spectral bias from ground albedo impacts optimal selection of photovoltaic materials.
  • Analyzed specular reflectivity of 22 commonly occurring surface materials.
  • Determined albedo effects on the performance of seven PV materials.
  • Investigated solar farms, commercial flat rooftops and residential pitched roofs.
  • Results enable PV selection for environments enabling geographic optimization.

Major Findings[edit | edit source]

Residentialroofalbedo.png

Commercialroofalbedo.png


Solarfarmalbedo.png

See also[edit | edit source]

FA info icon.svg Angle down icon.svg Page data
License CC-BY-SA-3.0
Language English (en)
Related 0 subpages, 8 pages link here
Aliases Effects of spectral albedo on photovoltaic devices
Impact 754 page views
Created September 21, 2011 by Joshua M. Pearce
Modified April 13, 2023 by Felipe Schenone
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