Seasonal variations in yield for different types of PV modules measured under real life conditions in Northern Europe

A test setup which enables the automatic and continuous retrieval of I-V characteristics for PV modules is presented. The setup is custom made from relatively inexpensive equipment. Results that compare performance in 2004 and 2005 are presented, and show crystalline modules to be preferable from the point of view of efficiency. Further results show the seasonal variations in yield over the whole of 2005. Based on the results, we conclude that photovoltaic technology is a viable alternative even in a cold and periodically dark country like Norway.