Annual Cycle

The annual cycle of a photovoltaic system describes the variations in electricity production throughout a year. These fluctuations are primarily due to the changing position of the sun and the associated differences in solar radiation.

Influencing factors:

• Sun position: The height of the sun above the horizon determines the intensity of solar radiation on the solar modules. In summer months, the sun is higher in the sky, and the radiation is more intense compared to the winter months.
• Day length: Longer days during the summer months allow for a longer production time of solar power.
• Weather conditions: Cloud cover, precipitation, and air pollution reduce radiation and, consequently, the yield of the photovoltaic system.

Course of the annual cycle:

Typically, the electricity production of a photovoltaic system peaks in the summer months (June to August). In the winter months (December to February), production drops to a minimum. The exact course of the annual cycle depends on geographic location, orientation of the modules, and other factors.

Visualization:

The annual cycle is often presented in the form of a graph that shows monthly or daily electricity production over the course of a year. This graph provides a quick overview of seasonal fluctuations.

Relevance:

Understanding the annual cycle is crucial for planning and sizing photovoltaic systems. It allows for a realistic estimation of the expected power yield and aids in selecting suitable storage solutions or additional energy sources.

Keywords: Photovoltaics, Solar power, Solar radiation