Solar energy monitoring program
At UPB, a solar energy monitoring program is being implemented and an outdoor testing system is being installed to characterize the solar resource in Cochabamba. This will allow a better estimation of the performance of photovoltaic panels and research on the optimization of photovoltaic (PV) systems.
The monitoring equipment consists of two primary elements: a first-class pyranometer that measures the intensity of solar radiation and a UV-VIS-NIR spectrometer that measures the solar spectrum from 300 to 900nm. These two teams will allow the characterization of the solar spectrum in Cochabamba and the analysis of changes in the performance of solar panels caused by variations in the solar spectrum with respect to AM 1.5, the reference spectrum for the optimization of PV materials.
This information allows the design of multiple junction cells and other third generation cells that could be optimized for a specific geographic location.
Additionally, a low-cost I-V curve tracer is being developed that will allow continuous monitoring of the performance of panels installed on the UPB campus. This monitoring will allow the experimental measurement of the power produced by PV panels and the best understanding, modeling and prediction of the performance of solar systems in Cochabamba.
Responsible:
Augusta Abrahamse, PhD
Email: abrahamse@upb.edu
References about the project: abrahamse@upb.edu
