Reduced Solar Module Temperature
- $1.76m Funded by ARENA
- $5.8m Total project cost
Summary
The Reduced Solar Module Temperature will demonstrate methods to change solar panel design to lower operating temperatures in the field. Lower operating temperatures will lead to increased power output and improve system lifetime.
Need
The Reduced Solar Module Temperature procject acknowledges that operating temperature has a significant effect on both output power and the long-term durability of solar modules. A 10 degree reduction in module operating temperature is projected to double the module operating lifetime, impacting project bankability and yield.
Learn more
Report: Reduced Solar Module Temperature Project Progress and Lessons Learnt
This report outlines lessons learnt from UNSW’s Reduced Solar Module Temperature project, which aims to demonstrate methods to change solar panel design to lower operating temperatures in the field.
Media Release: Research Boost for Solar Panel Efficiency and Cost Reduction
ARENA announced it has awarded $15.14 million in funding to 16 research projects to help address solar PV panel efficiency, overall cost reductions and end-of-life issues.
Action
This project will evaluate four strategies to reduce operating temperature in the field using passive temperature methods:
- Reduce infrared absorption
- Increase radiative loss
- Increase convective loss
- Increase conduction to module frame.
Outcome
This project aims to:
- Demonstrate experimental reduction in nominal-module-operating temperature of > 5 degrees celcius by incorporating the most promising passive temperature reduction approaches
- Work with collaborators to develop and demonstrate practical, cost effective approaches to modifying commercial modules to capture as much as possible of experimentally demonstrated gains.
ARENAWIRE Blogs
Solar research funding awarded to 16 new projects
New funding will help solar researchers to develop panels that are more cost-effective and efficient.
