Study on simple assessment method of BIPV power generation for architects

The inhomogeneity of photovoltaic (PV) arrays such as partial shadowing due to architectural design is a critical issue for PV power generation. However, losses due to the inhomogeneity have not been sufficiently analyzed quantitatively. The authors developed a simple experimental method using miniature PV array for annualizing the relation between power output and shading patterns. The method for simplified I-V curve interpolation was improved and verified. The simulation using this new method provided I-V curves with considerable accuracy, and the estimation errors of the maximum power of the array were within 3%. Yearly calculation was used for this simulation method and revealed that the results can guide the design of the PV system for architects.