Sensitivity analysis of a performance algorithm for solar cells under realistic reporting conditions

As the assessment of solar cells for standard reporting conditions (SRC) (1000 W/qm, 25 degree C, AMI.5 reference spectrum) can be misleading when used for optimising solar cell design and PV plant layout, we have the aim to develop a performance algorithm which uses realistic, site-dependent reporting conditions (RRC). First results of applying the method for one year of measured meteorological data in Freiburg and mono-Si, multi-Si and GaAs solar test cells proved that the deviation of the RRC efficiency from the SRC efficiency is important (1,2). The sensitivity of the RRC algorithm to systematic variations of the realistic operating conditions was studied. It was found that resulting variations in the RRC efficiency almost do not alter the relative course of its distribution over the year. Variations in the operating conditions of the order of magnitude of possible measurement uncertainties can produce errors in the efficiency calculation of about 2%.