Small Solar Electric Modules

In addition to solar cells, a typical photovoltaic (PV) module or solar panel consists of these components:

• A transparent top surface, usually glass
• An encapsulant usually thin sheets of ethyl vinyl acetate that hold together the top surface, solar cells, and rear surface
• A rear layer a thin polymer sheet, typically Tedlar, that prevents the ingress of water and gases
• A frame around the outer edge, typically aluminum.

Energy Performance Ratings

Energy performance ratings for PV modules include the following:

·       Peak watt (W_p)

Measures the maximum power of a module under laboratory conditions of relatively high light level, favorable air mass, and low cell temperature. These conditions are not typical in the real world.

·       Normal operating cell temperature (NOCT)

Measures a module's nominal operating cell temperature after the module first equilibrates with a specified ambient temperature. It results in a lower watt value than the peak-watt rating, but it is probably more realistic.

·       AMPM Standard

Measures the performance of a solar module under more realistic operating conditions. It considers the whole day rather than "peak" sunshine hours, based on the description of a standard solar global-average day (or a practical global average) in terms of light levels, ambient temperature, and air mass.