New data set for validating PV module performance models

A new publicly available data set was completed for use in validating models that estimate the performance of flat-plate photovoltaic (PV) modules. The data were collected for one-year periods at three climatically diverse locations (Cocoa, Florida; Eugene, Oregon; and Golden, Colorado) and for PV modules representing all technologies available in 2010 when the work began. The same makes and models of PV modules were tested at all locations and common data acquisition systems were used with calibrations performed at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. For use in determining model parameters and coefficients, baseline and post-deployment measurements were performed indoors with solar simulators, including per the requirements of IEC 61853 Part 1: Irradiance and Temperature Performance Measurements and Power Ratings. Outdoors, the PV modules were characterized per the requirements of the Sandia array performance model. A user's manual describes the contents of the data set and how to access the data.