The Effects of Marine Spectra and Temperatures on Photovoltaic Performance

Photovoltaic cells have been deployed in the marine environment in the past in order to assess performance at depth. Unfortunately, these applied studies have been somewhat limited in their scope due to the environmental conditions at the test location. In this paper, we present the results of silicon solar cell testing in a laboratory setting wherein the spectra produced by various water types are simulated over a wide range of depth and temperature. Spectra at depth were generated based on Bird's Clear Sky model and Jerlov's spectral absorption coefficients. These spectra were used in conjunction with a tunable solar simulator, source meter, and cold plate. This work discusses the spectra generation, experimental testing, and current-voltage curve parameters of silicon solar cells. Our results include short circuit current, open circuit voltage, and maximum power at ten different water types with depths up to 30 m. We highlight how the testing of silicon solar cells compare to previously published results and how depth and water quality impact subsurface power.