PHOTOVOLTAIC DEVICE FOR MEASURING IRRADIANCE AND TEMPERATURE

摘要

A solar array system includes a plurality of power-generator modules, each power-generator module having an identical form factor and comprising a plurality of photovoltaic cells wired for power generation. The system also includes at least one sensor module having a substantially identical appearance and form factor as the power-generator modules and comprising a like plurality of photovoltaic cells. The operational state of the system is monitored by an array performance monitor, which measures signals sent from the various modules. At least one photovoltaic cell in the sensor module delivers a short-circuit current signal to the array performance monitor and at least one photovoltaic cell in the sensor module delivers an open-circuit voltage signal to the array performance monitor. These signals are used to calculate a theoretical power output of the array system, which is compared to the actual power output.