Altitude effects on PV performance [RE-wrenches]

[Matt Lafferty]

Jeff / Wrenches:

I've given this a lot of thought since the topic was raised.  Some
disclaimers are in order.....

A. I've never been to Tibet (Wish everyone there the best, though).

B. I've been deprived of oxygen....Have been accused of not thinking
straight (oxygen related or otherwise).

C. I don't know of a basic formula or website address that addresses
Jeff's question.

What I do know is this:  People that are at higher elevations have
better tans.  While we may not relate this to PV output specifically, I
must ask:  Have any of you been around Lake Tahoe in the Summer?  WOW!
I highly recommend it!  Talk about recharging batteries!

This is not an isolated observation....Fortunately for me, my girl/best
friend doesn't mind my "observing"....Assists when necessary, in
fact....Scientific testing?......I'll have to check.  I can tell you
it's WAY noticeable....and Appreciated!  ;-)

I, fortunately, get to spend a significant portion of my time in the
Lake Tahoe area.  (My girl/best friend lives there, FYI) The sun is
"purer" at altitude, that's a fact.  I spend as much time in it as
possible.  "Recharging", if you will.  I have a Daystar digital
Pyronometer in my glovebox and pull it out a lot to sample my "ambient
conditions", even on hikes.  OK, call me what you will, but I do.

What portion of that, relative the Smog-laden atmosphere in which I
reside, is due purely to altitude, I don't know.

I've taken Insolation readings "at home, before I leave" and "when I get
there" numerous times to try to get a "feel" or "trend".   I don't take
these as scientific....It's 2 hours driving, different weather
conditions generally, etc.....

My personal conclusion (not conclusive at all since I don't have the
data to support it) is probably best characterized as a "gut instinct
based on the attempt at testing that I've done", is this:  The Solar
Intensity is higher at altitude than it is in Valley or "Closer to Sea
Level" conditions.  An Urban area's Solar Access is further inhibited by
Smog.  In the case of Sacramento, I believe the "Urban Effect" is
greater than the altitude differential.

Just 3 cents worth, doesn't inflation suck?

-Matt Lafferty
mlafferty at universalenergies.com


-----Original Message-----
From: Jeff Oldham [mailto:starpower4u at juno.com] 
Sent: Thursday, February 27, 2003 4:49 PM
To: RE-wrenches at topica.com
Subject: Altitude effects on PV performance [RE-wrenches]


Anyone know a basic formula or web site that addresses altitude effects
on output? I can't seem to find anything, I have a project at 12k' in
Tibet and need some ball park numbers for now (we'll take on site
readings later). I've had Everest climbing teams I've outfitted claim
very noticable increase at 15k, but these guys are deprived of oxygen
and can't think straight!

thanks


Jeff Oldham

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