Flasher - Predicting the yield of photovoltaic modules

Development of a flasher for photovoltaics with capabilities to control intensity, spectral energy density distribution, and angle of incidence for direct site- and time-based yield measurement in the laboratory.

Objective: The goal of the project is to develop an LED flasher for photovoltaics with the ability to control the intensity, spectral energy density distribution, and angle of incidence. This will enable thatdirect site- and time-based yield measurements can be performed in the laboratory. In particular, a method for site- and time-based yield prediction of photovoltaic modules will be developed at HBRS. For this purpose, both a spectrally resolved radiative transfer model and a yield model for PV modules will be developed. These models can take into account local conditions at an appropriate spatial resolution as input parameters. Subsequently, both models will be coupled to simulate the path of radiation to power generation. Furthermore, a detailed error analysis of certain parameters influencing the radiation such as atmospheric composition, clouds or aerosols will be performed. Parallel on-site measurements will allow a comparison with both measured radiation values and module yields. The results of the comparison will be  used to validate the model.
The project is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi) as part of the Central Innovation Program for SMEs (ZIM) program.