pvlib.temperature.ross could accept ross parameter as a NOCT alternative

[ramaroesilva]

Is your feature request related to a problem? Please describe.
Some papers on module temperature modelling propose Ross coefficient values instead of NOCT. Because this coefficient is not accepeted as input to pvlib.temperature.ross, users need to first manually compute the equivalent NOCT.

Describe the solution you'd like
Include Ross coefficient in pvlib.temperature.ross as an alternative input to NOCT. Table 2 in Skoplaki and Palyvos (2009) also proposes values for different mountings that could be mentioned in the documentation (or defined as default configurations that are activated through a string input - similar to the model input in pvlib.irradiance.perez).

Describe alternatives you've considered
An alternative would be to only define default configurations that internally already consider the equivalent NOCT of each mounting.

Additional context
Table from Skoplaki and Palyvos

[cwhanse]

I concur that adding the "k" parameter (Ross coefficient in Skoplaki and Palyvos) would be useful. Either noct or k would be required, and providing both should raise an error.

I also think that the reference needs adjustment. I can't locate a copy of that 1981 paper anywhere. I suspect I got the reference from some other source and didn't have the original. Other authors cite the model as "Ross Jr, R. G. "Flat-plate photovoltaic array design optimization." In 14th Photovoltaic Specialists Conference, pp. 1126-1132. 1980." My guess is that this same equation is presented in different formats (noct, k) in a number of places. Citing one as the basis for the function's name is sufficient. I would also add a second corroborating reference that's easier to find. The paper at the above link would suffice, IMO.

[ramaroesilva]

Thanks for the input @cwhanse.

@RDaxini is going to show me the ropes on how to contribute with a PR for issue #2508. Once I'm a PR master, I don't mind taking the lead on this.

[kandersolar]

I can't locate a copy of that 1981 paper anywhere.

https://web.archive.org/web/20221122181924/https://www2.jpl.nasa.gov/adv_tech/photovol/ppr_81-85/Design%20Tech%20for%20FP%20PV%20Arrays_PVSC1981.pdf

[ramaroesilva]

Should the link provided by @kandersolar be include somehow in the function documentation? If so, how?

[cwhanse]

Should the link provided by @kandersolar be include somehow in the function documentation? If so, how?

I don't think it's necessary to include that link. Adding a second reference to Sun et al. 2020 (or similar) would provide an easier-to-find source.

[ramaroesilva]

I don't think it's necessary to include that link. Adding a second reference to Sun et al. 2020 (or similar) would provide an easier-to-find source.

Ok. Will do so in #2519 , since Sun presents the equation using irradiance in W/m-2 instead of mW/cm-2 (an update I planned to do together with updating the unit styling).