A reference-module-based procedure for outdoor estimation of crystalline silicon PV module peak power

This paper introduces a procedure for the determination of the maximum power in STC of crystalline silicon PV modules using natural sunlight and conventional testing and measurement equipment. The key idea consists of using a reference module calibrated by an accredited independent laboratory which helps both correct deviations in the measurement of the peak power of the module under test and make a quantitative statement of the uncertainty of this result. The required tasks and calculations are easy to perform, despite the apparent complexity of the equations. Some experimental data gathered over all four seasons validate the procedure. Then, an actual example is presented to make it easier the use of the procedure. Copyright (c) 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.