Calculating the PV Module Voltage for a Particular
Temperature
Example:
A PV module has a VMP of 35.4V and a VMP temperature coefficient of 0.16V/°C.
What is the VMP of the module at 55°C?
To calculate the voltage at the specified temperature:
Calculation Steps Calculation
1 Calculate the difference between the cell temperature and STC 55°C – 25°C = 30°C
2. Multiply this by the VMP temperature coefficient (in V/°C) 30°C x 0.16V/°C = 4.8V
3. Take this away from the rated VMP (temperature is above 25°C) 35.4V – 4.8V = 30.6V
Calculating the Minimum PV Module Voltage
(Maximum Cell Temperature)
Example:
A module has a VMP of 36.4V and a VMP temperature coefficient of 0.17V/°C. The maximum cell
temperature is 70°C. What is the minimum expected voltage of the module?
To calculate the voltage at the specified temperature:
Calculation Steps Calculation
1 Calculate the difference between the cell temperature and STC 70°C – 25°C = 45°C
2. Multiply this by the VMP temperature coefficient (in V/°C) 45°C x 0.17V/°C = 7.65V
3. Take this away from the rated VMP (temperature is above 25°C) 36.4V – 7.65V = 28.75V
Calculating the Maximum PV Module Voltage
(Minimum Cell Temperature)
Example:
A module has a VOC of 45.8V and a VOC temperature coefficient of 0.13V/°C. The minimum cell
temperature is 0°C. What is the maximum expected voltage of the module?
To calculate the voltage at the specified temperature:
Calculation Steps Calculation
1 Calculate the difference between the cell temperature and STC 0°C – 25°C = 25°C
2. Multiply this by the VOC temperature coefficient (in V/°C) 25°C x 0.13V/°C = 3.25V
3. Add this to the rated VOC (temperature is below 25°C) 45.8V + 3.25V = 49.05V
Global Sustainable Energy Solutions Pty. Ltd. Copyright © 2011
Calculating the Minimum Number of Modules in a String
(Maximum Cell Temperature)
Example:
A module has a VMP of 35.4V and a VMP temperature coefficient of 0.16V/°C. In order for the
inverter to operate a minimum voltage input of 140V is required. The maximum cell temperature
is expected to be 75°C. Assume that there is a voltage drop of 1% in the cables on the DC side.
To find the minimum number of modules that can be connected:
Calculation Steps Calculation
1 Calculate the difference between the cell temperature and STC 75°C – 25°C = 50°C
2. Multiply this by the VMP temperature coefficient (in V/°C) 50°C x 0.16V/°C = 8.0V
3. Take this away from the rated VMP (temperature is above 25°C) 35.4V – 8.0V = 27.4V
4. Multiply this by 0.99 to account for the 1% voltage drop 27.4 x 0.99 = 27.13V
5. Multiply the inverter minimum voltage by 1.1
140 x 1.1 = 154V
(10% safety margin)
6. Divide the inverter minimum voltage with the safety margin by
154 ÷ 27.13 = 5.67
the minimum module voltage (including voltage drop)
7. Round this number UP 6 modules minimum
Calculating the Maximum Number of Modules in a String
(Minimum Cell Temperature)
Example:
A module has a VOC of 44.2V and a VOC temperature coefficient of 0.14V/°C. The inverter that it
is to be connected to has a maximum voltage input of 600V. The minimum cell temperature is
expected to be -5°C. To find the maximum number of modules that can be connected:
Calculation Steps Calculation
1 Calculate the difference between the cell temperature and STC -5°C – 25°C = (-)30°C
2. Multiply this by the VOC temperature coefficient (in V/°C) 30°C x 0.14V/°C = 4.2V
3. Add this to the rated VOC (temperature is below 25°C) 44.2V + 4.2V = 48.4V
4. Do not include a voltage drop, as the circuit is open, and hence
no current flows
5. Multiply the inverter maximum voltage by 0.95
600 x 0.95 = 570V
(5% safety margin)
6. Divide the inverter maximum voltage with the safety margin by
570 ÷ 48.4 = 11.78
the maximum module voltage
7. Round this number DOWN 11 modules maximum
Global Sustainable Energy Solutions Pty. Ltd. Copyright © 2011
