Real-time procedure to detect losses in photovoltaic generators using the instantaneous and the translated Performance Ratio

The energy yield of a photovoltaic plant depends on the performance of each of its single photovoltaic modules. In this paper, a methodology is presented that allows calculating the losses produced in a module and identifying if it is operating properly according to given climatic conditions. The proposed model is based on the comparison between the theoretical performance ratio of a module and the resulting experimental one under given climatic conditions. The results obtained allow estimating the losses that affect a module nonoperating properly. By means of real-time monitoring at module level, the herein described experimental system together with the proposed methodology allows to quantify the module losses. The immediate corrective actions will avoid further losses in the generated energy.