PV array behaviour in tropical environmental conditions

The PV modules temperature within a PV array and its performance as electrical generator are closely related with the environmental temperature at the installation site. Particularly in tropical locations, the solar radiation that arrives to the photovoltaic modules surface follows a pattern conditioned by the geographical position and the environmental conditions of the measurement site. Another important role is also played by the wind diurnal pattern that can modulate the effects of the solar radiation on the modules temperature. The presented research studied the performance of a PV modules array installed on the roof of the Energy Laboratory at the Autonomous University of Yucatan (Eastern of Mexico) considering the solar radiation patterns, the temperature of the PV modules and the wind speed and wind direction. The results of this research will contribute to optimize the sizing procedures for PV applications in tropical regions with similar climatic conditions.