This patented development by the company Plusampere allows an increase of the power yield from photovoltaic systems. In order to reflect the incoming solar radiation onto the PV modules, the reflectors are installed between the mounted in rows. Under practical conditions, an annual average yield increase of 14 per cent was achieved at a reference plant in southwest Germany, according to Plusampere. In order to be able to demonstrate this additional yield transparently, only modules connected to one of two inverter strings were fitted with reflectors.
Particular challenges were therefore the creation of the software tool and the evaluation of the generated data. The parameters, including the reflector surface, angle of inclination and predicted additional yield, were determined using a modelling software. This was done with a view to achieving an optimum ratio of costs to benefits. After all, twice the reflector surface does not automatically result in twice the additional yield. (mfo)
