Simulation-Based Comparative Assessment of Monocrystalline Silicon and CdTe Photovoltaic Systems Under Hot-Arid Conditions: Performance and Techno-Economic Scenarios

Abstract

Photovoltaic technology selection in hot-arid regions cannot be based solely on Standard Test Condition (STC) efficiency because elevated temperature and soiling can substantially alter annual yield and project economics. Moreover, a simulation-based scenario comparison was performed for 10 kWp monocrystalline-silicon (Mono-Si) and 10 kWp CdTe thin-film systems. PVsyst 7.4 modeled annual energy and losses, MATLAB/Simulink examined temperature-dependent electrical behavior, and LCOE scenarios assessed economic performance. Under the baseline assumptions, CdTe produced 17.96 MWh/year versus 17.52 MWh/year for Mono-Si, with performance ratios of 79.3% and 77.4%. Temperature-related losses were 8.4% and 11.8%, respectively, and baseline LCOE values were approximately 42 and 45 USD/MWh. Within the modeled assumptions, CdTe shows a modest hot-climate advantage despite lower STC efficiency.