A parametric study of characteristics of concentrating PV modules

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Abstract
This study regards the performance prediction of concentrating photovoltaic (PV) modules. For a solar concentrator aperture area of 1 m2, the efficiency and power output of a concentrating PV module is calculated for various temperatures and concentration ratios. The study is then extended to calculate the temperature, efficiency and power output of the PV module at various concentration ratios and velocities of cooling water. The results show that when the concentration ratio is >4, water cooling is necessary to cool PV instead of natural convection cooling. The results provide a basis for selection of a suitable concentration ratio and cooling method for concentrating PV system design.