Nominal Operating Cell Temperature (NOCT): Effects of module size, loading and solar spectrum

Abstract

NOCT (nominal operating cell temperature) is defined as the cell temperature within an open-rack mounted (45° from horizontal) module in the following conditions: (1) total irradiance: 800 W¿m^-2 (2) ambient temperature: 20°C (3) wind speed: 1 m¿s^-1 (4) electrical load: open circuit This paper investigates if: (1) the NOCT value remains the same irrespective of module size; (2) the NOCT value remains the same irrespective of electrical loading configuration (short-circuit,open-circuit or resistive load) (3) the NOCT value remains the same irrespective of type of irradiance sensor used (pyranometer or reference cell) (4) the low energy infrared photons of sunlight contribute to NOCT.