[[File:Modulespeclabel -200921-2.png|thumb|right|250px|Typical specifications label found on the back of a PV module.]]
[[File:Modulespeclabel -200921-2.png|thumb|right|250px|Typical specifications label found on the back of a PV module.]]
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PV modules are rated in terms of watts (W) under industry determined laboratory test conditions called standard test conditions (STC). The three conditions are the strength of sunlight called ''irradiance'', ''cell temperature'' and ''airmass''. Airmass is fixed for a given location, so it plays a less important role than the other two. PV modules will only produce their rated power at their Maximum Power Point, which is Vmp multiplied by Imp, under standard test conditions laboratory. These conditions are not frequently reached in most locations as cell temperatures rise quickly when exposed to sunlight and irradiance of 1000 W/m² only occurs when the sky is clear near midday. Therefore, the curve shown the preceding graphics will shift depending upon the conditions.
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PV modules are rated in terms of watts (W) under industry determined laboratory test conditions called standard test conditions (STC). The three conditions are: the strength of sunlight called irradiance, the temperature of the PV module cells, and the airmass. Airmass is fixed for a given location, so it plays a less important role than the other two. PV modules will only produce their rated power at their Maximum Power Point, which is Vmp multiplied by Imp, under standard test conditions laboratory. These conditions are not frequently reached in most locations as cell temperatures rise quickly when exposed to sunlight and irradiance of 1000 W/m² only occurs when the sky is clear near midday. Therefore, the curve shown the preceding graphics will shift depending upon the conditions.
Latest revision as of 11:36, 10 February 2021
Typical specifications label found on the back of a PV module.
PV modules are rated in terms of watts (W) under industry determined laboratory test conditions called standard test conditions (STC). The three conditions are: the strength of sunlight called irradiance, the temperature of the PV module cells, and the airmass. Airmass is fixed for a given location, so it plays a less important role than the other two. PV modules will only produce their rated power at their Maximum Power Point, which is Vmp multiplied by Imp, under standard test conditions laboratory. These conditions are not frequently reached in most locations as cell temperatures rise quickly when exposed to sunlight and irradiance of 1000 W/m² only occurs when the sky is clear near midday. Therefore, the curve shown the preceding graphics will shift depending upon the conditions.