Performance evaluation of ventilated and non-ventilated photovoltaic module frames

The electrical output of silicon photovoltaic (PV) cells decreases with increase in panel temperature. SunPower Corporation has designed ventilated photovoltaic module frames, which allows air to pass through back surface of PV laminate, thus reducing the operating temperature. The performance is measured of a SunPower module with ventilated frames and a module with a conventional non-ventilated module frame under identical operating conditions, and the increase in annual energy production by incorporating ventilated frames for photovoltaic modules is estimated for five locations in the US representing a range of climates. Up to a 3.5% increase in energy production is predicted for flush mounted ventilated modules. Savings up to {dollar}0.15/Wp is predicted. Offset mounting of non-ventilated modules shows almost the same energy production as the ventilated flush mount but at a greater cost. This study is an attempt to make PV more financially viable and enhance the operating efficiency of PV modules.