Evaluating the Suitability of Köppen-Geiger Climate Classifications for Photovoltaic Systems: Micro-climate Analysis and Risk Assessment Maps

The performance of photovoltaic (PV) systems are influenced by local climatic conditions. The widely used Köppen-Geiger (KG) classification system, focused mainly on agriculture, has limitations for PV applications due to its emphasis on general climate patterns rather than specific factors affecting PV material aging. This study evaluates the compatibility of KG classifications with relevant micro-climatic properties utilizing global meteorological data to create risk assessment maps for PV application. We used Principal component analysis (PCA) and clustering to simplify the micro-climate properties and found overlaps in KG classifications indicating challenges in capturing transitional micro-climate zones. These findings indicate that traditional clustering is inadequate for defining specific climate zones for PV use. Consequently, we developed a novel risk map tailored to degradation reaction rates in analyzed location, offering more detailed and valid climate classification for PV application. This study underscores the necessity for innovative mapping techniques that capture nuanced micro-climate variations relevant to PV system development.