Low angle solar performance
Has my one seen data on performance by specific panel or general PV type for different incidence angles of solar radiation? All I can find so far is generic info. Jim
Forum Discussion
Very handy.
If we merge the the two together, there are some interesting results. The calculator suggests that the overall rule of thumb at 85 degrees is that there is a 91% loss of energy vs 0 degrees. The Wikipedia data on reflection says that of that loss, 63% of it (91% * 70%) is due to reflection of sunlight back off the glass at the extreme angle, and only 27% of that power loss is due the less light hitting the photovoltaic itself at a low angle.
In reality there are other factors baked into these handy numbers like spectrum shift in the sunlight near the horizon, and the air mass coefficient going up considerably (more air for the light to go through)...etc.
I wonder how different they are for panels not under glass?
-Jim
If we merge the the two together, there are some interesting results. The calculator suggests that the overall rule of thumb at 85 degrees is that there is a 91% loss of energy vs 0 degrees. The Wikipedia data on reflection says that of that loss, 63% of it (91% * 70%) is due to reflection of sunlight back off the glass at the extreme angle, and only 27% of that power loss is due the less light hitting the photovoltaic itself at a low angle.
In reality there are other factors baked into these handy numbers like spectrum shift in the sunlight near the horizon, and the air mass coefficient going up considerably (more air for the light to go through)...etc.
I wonder how different they are for panels not under glass?
-Jim
