Investigating Renewable Energy Data from Photovoltaic (PV) Solar Panels

In Petersham, MA

What affects solar energy output?•Two graphs recording data in kW, both at Petersham, Ma•One is recorded on June 15, the other on January 15•As you can see, the power output is greater in June than in January.•This is due to the longer days in June, and the shorter days in January.

What else affects solar energy output?•Graph with the green line measures power output in kilowatts on January 15th

•Graph with the red line measures solar irradiance in waters per square meter on January 15th •Irradiance is the amount of sunlight on a specific area during a specific time of day.•As you can see, there is a correlation between irradiance and power output.

If irradiance affects energy output…

•Graph of power output in the month of January.•As you can see, there are some days where there is little or no power output.•This can be caused by snow covering the solar panels, a stormy day where clouds block out the sun, or simply because wind has broken the mechanics of the solar panel.

Comparing Power Generation in Albilene, TX and Petersham, MA

•From this graph you can see that the power generated in Petersham, MA is far greater than the Albilene photovoltaic cells.•However, this is by no means a fair way of comparing the two sites because there are great daily variations in power in both locations, likely due to weather differences, and Albilene simply has more solar panels.

Comparing Power Generation in Albilene, TX and Petersham, MA

•Instead, we must look at the modeled potential power, circled in red. •The model potential power is generated using NREL's PVWatts v 2.0 model. •A model potential power of one means that the solar panel is operating at its optimum potential.•Though Petersham produces greater measured energy, this data shows both locations are generating the most power they can produce.

Conclusion

• There are great daily variations in power due to weather differences - cloudy days, windy days that break components, snowy days that cover the panels.

• Moderate potential power most accurately compares solar panels by calculating their ability to perform at their max.

ConclusionAlbilene, TX

Petersham, MA

New Directions

• With these natural obstructions that reduce the power output of Photovoltaic Cells, what new technology can be developed to increase productivity?

• Assuming that all Solar Panels have a Modeled Potential Power of 1, what is the best location for solar panels, taking into consideration hours of sun light, weather patterns, etc.?

Works cited

• http://serc.carleton.edu/eet/redi/index.html