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March 11, 2010, 07:47:27 AM *
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Author Topic: What I wish I had - using the ptc rating  (Read 289 times)
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auriclux
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« on: November 04, 2009, 11:40:41 AM »

My goal in this query is to try to maximize my real world performance.  And to see if this makes a noticeable difference.

The site http://www.gosolarcalifornia.ca.gov/equipment/pvmodule.html provides ptc ratings and the following explanation (in part):

"The PTC rating, which is lower than the STC rating, is generally recognized as a more realistic measure of PV output because the test conditions better reflect "real-world" solar and climatic conditions, compared to the STC rating."

So if I take this ptc rating and divide it by the area of the complete panel module I have a good 'power density' or alternative measure of efficiency of a panel.  I was surprised to find in my calculations that this 'power density' doesn't seem to track with the advertised efficiencies of the panels.  For example, unless I made a math error, the Canadian Solar CS5P-230M beats the REC225AE-US:

CS5P-230M   12% efficiency   123.2W/m^2   ptc:209.4/1.70m^2
REC225AE-US   14% efficiency   117.9W/m^2   ptc:196.2/1.66m^2

Is there a table like this for a large number of panel types somewhere?

And is there an issue with my line of reasoning?  I'll grant that these values are pretty close and may be trumped by other factors like $/W, but the difference surprised me and was hoping to investigate it.
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grnhouse
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« Reply #1 on: January 11, 2010, 08:45:05 PM »

Home Power 134 - (December 2009 & January 2010) has an article called "2010 PV Module Guide" that compares the top 230 solar panels.

The CS5P-230M is listed as having 210.9 watts PTC with 12.6 watts per sq ft -  No Module efficiency listed.
The REC225-AE-US is listed as having 196.2 watts PTC with 12.7 watts per sq ft - Module efficiency is 13.6%

Go California Solar eligible PV Modules lists the CS5P-230M as 209.4 watts PTC and the REC225-AE-US as 196.2 watts PTC.

You can check this list at:   http://www.gosolarcalifornia.ca.gov/equipment/pvmodule.html
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