Indoor and Outdoor Evaluation of Curved Modules for VIPV

The vehicle integrated photovoltaic (VIPV) technology demands 3D curved PV surfaces to meet the specific design constraints in the automotive industry. The proper characterization of three dimensional PV surfaces requires specific methods and equipment that must be developed. This paper describes the procedures carried out for both outdoor and indoor characterization of modules with curvatures between 1 and 3 meter. IV curves at STC and the angular response of the modules are compared, showing remarkable resemblance. A unique collimated solar simulators has been adapted for indoor characterization while a two axis tracker with programmable deviation of the pointing to the sun has been used outdoors.