Replenishing deficient datasets in PV system monitoring

This paper presents a method to generate missing performance data based on interpolated environmental data and is evaluated by using real performance data from a reference system. Global horizontal irradiance and temperature data are obtained from meteorological stations across the country and then interpolated to the nearest point from the location of the PV system, applying the Kriging technique. The validity of the method is examined using real measurements of in-plane irradiance, ambient and module temperature and power output of a known and well-monitored system. Module temperature is calculated using a thermal model and power output is calculated using a mathematical model as a function of in-plane irradiance and module temperature. The measurements are provided from CREST Outdoor Monitoring System (COMS).