Document Type

Article

Publication Date

3-30-2013

Abstract

Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems are frequently installed in climates with significant snowfall. To better understand theeffects of snowfall on the performance of PV systems, a multi-angle, multi-technology PV system was commissioned andmonitored over two winters. A novel methodology was introduced and validated with this system, which allows for thedetermination of snowfall losses from time-series performance data with correlated meteorological observations down toa 5-minute resolution. In addition, a new method for determining the probability distribution of snow deposition on amodule from image data was developed. It was found that the losses due to snowfall are dependent on the angle andtechnology being considered and the effects of increased albedo in the surroundings of a PV system can increase expectedyields, particularly in the case of high tilt angle systems. Existing methods for predicting losses due to snowfall wereinvestigated, and were found to provide overly conservative estimates of snow losses. Overall the results show that theproper assessment of snow related losses can help improve system performance and maintenance. It is concluded that proper characterization of the snowfall effect on PV system performance can influence better systems optimization for climates experiencing snowfall.

Publisher's Statement

© 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. Deposited here in compliance with publisher polices. Publisher's version of record: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.solener.2013.02.014

Publication Title

Solar Energy

Version

Preprint

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