PV Modeling & Analysis

Sandia’s PV Modeling and Analysis team develops methods and tools to simulate PV system and component performance while exposed to different weather and environmental conditions. We leverage field and laboratory capabilities to characterize performance of modules, inverters, and other balance of system components to develop calibrated system models.

Modeling errors due to time averaging of weather inputs.

Outreach

• PV Performance Modeling Collaborative
• Workshops and Conferences

Modeling PV System Performance

• Tutorial on PV System Modeling
• Sandia Array Performance Model (SAND 2004-3535)
• Sandia Inverter Performance Model (SAND 2007-5036)
• PV_LIB Toolbox for Matlab (available on PVPMC website)

Model Validation

• PV Performance Model Validation Methodology (IEEE 35th PVSC paper)

Recent Accomplishments

• Calibration of the Sandia Array Performance Model Using Indoor Measurements (2012 IEEE 38th PVSC paper)
• Effect of Time Scale on Analysis of PV System Performance (2012 SAND 2012-1099)
  Hansen et al., 2012