Review of Incidence Angle Modifier Issues for Photovoltaic Energy Yield
Estimations
Abstract
The aim of this paper is to review the mathematical models proposed in
the literature that evaluate angular losses by means of the incidence
angle modifier in photovoltaic modules. The aim of this work is to
highlight the importance of considering not only the reflective losses
governed by the air-first interface of the photovoltaic module, but also
the losses governed by the effect of the accumulation of dust particles
on the surface of the modules under real operating conditions, known as
soiling. The Martin-Ruiz Model which derives from the mathematical
handling of the Fresnel equations and includes analytical solutions for
diffuse and reflected irradiance components, is presented as a robust,
accurate and reliable analytical model that contemplates these two
factors. With the implementation of the Martin-Ruiz Model in SISIFO, a
PV simulation software developed by the IES-UPM, optical losses at a 100
MW one-axis tracked PV plant in the Kalahari Desert were simulated. Four
different soiling scenarios were considered. The results suggest that
the incident angle modifier losses are between 44 to 64% larger than
those predicted when considering only the effect of refractive index
change. Simulation software integrating models that consider all of
these optical losses will improve the energy yield prediction of any
photovoltaic plant with more reliable estimations.