A general thermodynamic model for the steady-state temperature of a photovoltaic module on the Moon

Abstract

Photovoltaic conversion is highly dependent on the converter's temperature. In the absence of atmosphere, it can be rigorously determined using a thermal balance leading to a compact expression. The derivation starts from a fully spectral, two-sided radiative balance and proceeds to a practical gray-band (integrated) expression that can be used to estimate Tc from measurable quantities: plane-of-array irradiance, spectral absorptance (or a broadband absorptance), thermal emissivities, view factors to the regolith and to space, module electrical efficiency, and conduction to the mount. The model can be extended to other airless celestial bodies and to deep space.