Comparative performance analysis of two high-latitude solar photovoltaic systems

Abstract

The global energy demand and the urgency to limit greenhouse gas emissions require a transition to cleaner energy sources. Solar energy harvesting is a compelling solution because it can harness the sun’s enormous resources. Solar photovoltaic technology is widely adopted worldwide due to being versatile, adaptable, and mature. However, low solar irradiation and harsh weather conditions limit its deployment in high-latitude regions. A significant research gap exists on the viability of technologies and addressing climate-related challenges. The research gap hinders further development because of a broad perception that solar photovoltaic technology is unviable in these regions.

This thesis aims to fill the research gap by performing a comparative performance analysis of a vertically installed bifacial heterojunction technology (HJT) system (“OES” system) and a 10°-tilted monofacial polycrystalline silicon (pc-Si) system (“ILP” system), both installed in Tromsø, Norway (69°N). The core purpose of the research is for our findings to shape the future deployments of solar photovoltaic systems in the regions.

Our study investigates and compares system performances between September 20, 2022, and April 30, 2023. We collect energy production data from the systems and perform full-year simulations in PVSyst to estimate expected performances under typical and ideal weather conditions. We use the collected data to calculate industry-standard energy performance metrics, while the simulations help identify critical factors influencing system performances.

The results show that the vertically installed bifacial HJT technology system exhibited a superior performance across all performance metrics, including 2.1% higher availability, 230% higher specific yield, 20.1% higher performance ratio, and 1.9% higher capacity factor.

Our study concludes that the vertically installed bifacial HJT technology system performed better than the 10°-tilted monofacial pc-Si system during the research period. The decisive factor for the superior performance was its ability to withstand snow accumulation and capitalize on increased albedo, indicating that it is a viable installation in winter conditions. In contrast, light snowfall could render the monofacial pc-Si system’s power output zero, and an accumulated layer of snow remained in place for a long time. Therefore, we conclude that the installation is less suited for snowy conditions.