Effect of atmospheric parameters on silicon cell performance

The effects of changing atmospheric parameters on the performance of a typical silicon solar cell were calculated. The precipitable water vapor content, airmass and turbidity were varied over wide ranges and the normal terrestrial distribution of spectral irradiance was studied. The cell short-circuit current was then computed for each spectral irradiance distribution using the cell spectral response. Data are presented in the form of calibration number (cell current/incident irradiance) vs. water vapor content or turbidity.