Cell binning method analysis to minimize mismatch losses and performance variation in Si-based modules

In order to reduce mismatch power losses in silicon-wafer based photovoltaic modules, the common industrial practice is to categorize the solar cells into different performance bins. We examine different binning algorithms with the goals of minimizing the wasted power and accurately mapping the output of each bin to modules with the correct rated power. Three binning methods are compared: binning by I-max, P-max, and I at a fixed V. The raw data consist of I-V curves for greater than 6,000 cells in two separate sets. Programs simulate the performance of modules with 36 series-connected cells and allow the division lines between bins to be adjusted until the desired results are obtained. These methods are valuable in keeping the binning scheme optimized in an industrial setting where cell performance improves over time.