Are we ready to model the energy yield of tandem PV modules?
As perovskite-silicon tandem modules move toward commercialization, crucial questions emerge about system integration, voltage compatibility, spectral response, and energy yield modeling that will define the next generation of solar technology.
· Malcolm Abbott · 2 min read
I’ve seen a few posts recently that would seem to indicate that tandem modules are moving closer to becoming products. Most notably the announcement by Trina that they have achieved a 808 W large area module and LinkedIn posts from OxfordPV looking to commercialize their technology. Personally, I am excited to see a datasheet for one of these modules as I am curious as to how it will work on a system level.
Tandem cells have higher voltage, so will the modules also have higher voltage? How is that going to work with inverters designed for crystalline silicon modules? What about the spectral mismatch? What about bifacial gain? NREL produced an excellent summary last year that covers these and many other issues in detail. They showed five possible configurations for connecting the cells into modules, each impacting the points above. All those options are sure to keep the cell and module engineers busy!
At SunSolve we can model tandem and other technologies from the cell level all the way through to the AC output of an inverter. Our energy yield modeling tool solves the clear sky and cloudy sky spectrum at every step and accounts for electrical mismatch on all levels throughout the system. It has been used by industry to help develop virtually every cell technology on the market (check out this lovely endorsement from our friends at Trina). It is currently in the hands of major developers and independent engineering firms who use it to answer a range of system level questions.
Curious about how your tandem concept might perform in the field? Contact us to get started answering these questions with SunSolve-Yield.