Development of Cell to System Annual Energy Yield Toolbox for Bifacial Modules

Abstract

Accurate Annual Energy Yield (AEY) predictions can mean important savings due to optimization of energy generation for both particular and utility scale PV systems.
However, currently available commercial models fall short to faithfully reproduce complex designs, specially involving bifacial modules, where albedo gains are relevant.
This work develops a modular Toolbox for predicting energy yield of bifacial PV modules considering optical effects from the very cell level and accounting in depth for the impact of the surroundings on the performance of the PV panel. A modular or block wise construction has two advantages: it is computationally more efficient and it is handier to implement new blocks or replace current ones without the need of entirely creating a new toolbox. To carry out this goal, the best existing PVMD submodels that can fit within the Toolbox are determined, the missing sub-models or pieces within the Toolbox are developed and finally all the parts are integrated and an accuracy assessment carried out. Finally, the Toolbox is applied to optimize the design for a real case of a floating PV structure.