Methodology of Köppen-Geiger-Photovoltaic climate classification and implications to worldwide mapping of PV system performance

•New global climate classification scheme for photovoltaics.•Simulation of PV indicators around the World and correlation with climate zones.•Hourly synthetic climate data using monthly data validated with ground measurements.•PV performance projections for the 21st century.•Online availability of K...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Solar energy 2019-10, Vol.191, p.672-685
Main Authors: Ascencio-Vásquez, Julián, Brecl, Kristijan, Topič, Marko
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Classification
Climate change
Climate zones
Climatic conditions
Environmental assessment
Environmental risk
Evaluation
Greenhouse effect
Greenhouse gases
Irradiation
Mapping
Methodology
Performance evaluation
Photovoltaic
Photovoltaic cells
Photovoltaics
PV systems
Radiation
Solar energy
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Summary:•New global climate classification scheme for photovoltaics.•Simulation of PV indicators around the World and correlation with climate zones.•Hourly synthetic climate data using monthly data validated with ground measurements.•PV performance projections for the 21st century.•Online availability of KGPV scheme. Photovoltaic (PV) already proves but even more promises to be massively deployed worldwide. To evaluate the performance of PV systems globally and assess risk due to different climate conditions, we propose a methodology for the global Köppen-Geiger-Photovoltaic (KGPV) climate classification that divides the globe into 12 zones with regard to the temperature, precipitation and irradiation, and standardizes the evaluations of the performance in regions with similar climatic conditions. Additionally, we present implications of KGPV to simulated PV performance using monthly data, for current and future operation of PV systems worldwide including climate change scenarios. A set of electrical and thermal performance indicators of crystalline silicon PV modules in different KGPV zones is analyzed and their evolution over time due to climate changes caused by high greenhouse gas emissions discussed. Results show that the KGPV scheme proves to be a convenient methodology to relate the KGPV climate zones with PV performance.
ISSN:0038-092X
1471-1257
DOI:10.1016/j.solener.2019.08.072