Hi Tory,
Under the same operating conditions, the larger modules operate at slightly higher cell temperatures, causing a small reduction in short circuit current (Isc).
For an explanation, I will refer to Equations 10.30 and 10.37 in the SAM Photovoltaic Reference Manual, which you can download from the Publications page:
sam.nrel.gov/photovoltaic/pv-publications.html
The equation for Isc in each time step (Equation 10.30) depends on the cell temperature and effective irradiance in that time step among other parameters that do not vary with time. The cell temperature (Equation 10.37) depends on the ambient temperature and module rated maximum power. For this comparison, the cell temperature is slightly different for the different modules because they have different maximum power ratings (rated Vmp and Imp are different for the different modules). The cell temperature difference causes a small difference in Isc under the same operating conditions.
The weather file I used was a TMY file for the same location from the NREL NSRDB as your TMY file from Vaisala. The NSRDB file uses a a warmer month for January than the Vaisala file. The day I picked for my screenshot above (January 1) happens to be a colder data in the Vaisala data than the NSRDB data.
The relevant PV model outputs are:
- Subarray 1 string short circuit DC current (A)
- Weather file ambient temperature (C)
- Subarray 1 cell temperature (C)
- Subarray 1 POA total irradiance after reflection (IAM) (W/m2)
Best regards,
Paul.