Summary:

A two-year pilot project in Germany shows that PV modules fitted with reflectors at one of two inverter input points had an average annual increase of 14% solar production. 

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Main Article:

As confirmed by the test results of a two-year pilot phase, an innovative reflector and calculation system known as “pA reflect” from plusAmpere GmbH offers increased generation potential for operators of PV facilities: Under real-life conditions, the yield measured at a reference facility in Southwest Germany showed an average annual increase of 14%. The PV modules were fitted with reflectors at one of two inverter input points.

Specific challenges included the creation of the calculation tool and the evaluation of the generated data. Taking into account project-specific parameters, the calculation software is used to establish values such as reflector surface, angle of inclination and anticipated yield increase. The aim is always to look for the best possible cost-benefit ratio. Doubling the reflector surface does not automatically lead to a doubling of the additional yield. Project-specific data includes, for instance, the geographic location of the PV facility, the azimuth and inclination angle of the modules, the movement of the sun and many other factors.

“Compared with current solutions to increase the performance of roof- or ground-mounted installations using rack structures, our innovative reflector and calculation system is very advanced,“ said Klaus Scholl, founder and managing partner of plusAmpere GmbH.

In order to mirror the incoming solar radiation onto the PV modules, the reflectors are installed between the PV module rows. This retrofitting solution does not require the acquisition of additional surfaces, is profitable and can, in practice, be implemented quickly.

After the successful completion of the pilot phase, plusAmpere has, since the end of last year, been concentrating on marketing its innovation; the intention is to expand its international sales activities and contacts from its base in Kaiserslautern, Germany. In the first six months of 2019 two further PV facilities will be optimized with the help of “pA reflect.”