Sunsolve – Radiative heat loss from PV systems whitepaper

This whitepaper examines how heat loss from solar panels to the sky influences the accuracy of solar energy yield forecasts. Current industry models often oversimplify this effect, yet this research shows that sky radiation can account for 30–60% of a module’s heat loss, varying with weather conditions such as temperature, humidity and cloud cover. By applying this more physically accurate approach within SunSolve (PV Lighthouse’s advanced yield modelling software) the accuracy of solar performance forecasts can be improved and errors in predicted energy yield reduced. The outcome of this work will enable the Australian solar industry to deliver more reliable forecasts.