Search

A novel comprehensive methodology integrated with genetic algorithm (GA) has been formulated by accounting for local spectral irradiance and the specifications of commercial photovoltaic (PV) module. Despite having the same solar irradiance, variation in power conversion efficiency (PCE) of PV module can be significant in different site locations by referencing to that of standard AM1.5 spectrum. We have carried out a case study using GA for a combination of three site locations in Peninsular Malaysia and twelve types of commercial PV modules. Type-9 PV module operating in Bangi has recorded the lowest gain with 0.1%, while type-10 PV module operating in Bandar Sungai Long has shown the best gain of up to 27%. For solving multi-objective problems, MmGA and NSGAII have been applied to optimize three objectives concurrently including PCE, PV weight and PV panel area. From the simulation, type-1, type-6, and type-12 PV modules show the best in at least two objectives for the categories of m-Si, p-Si, and thin film, respectively. [Display omitted] • A comprehensive methodology has been formulated using genetic algorithm. • Type-9 PV module operating in Bangi has the lowest gain with 0.1%. • Type-10 PV module operating in Bandar Sungai Long has the best gain with 27%. • Type-7 PV module shows the highest increment 27.5% in annual energy yield. • Type-1, type-6 & type-12 PV modules are optimized for m-Si, p-Si & thin film. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]