This paper develops two algorithms for estimating photovoltaic (PV) module temperature and effective irradiation level. The efficiency of PV systems depends on the module temperature, and both temperature and irradiation determine the power output of the system. Estimating these two quantities allows for improved state-based control methods while eliminating the need of additional sensors. Thermal models and irradiation estimators have been developed in the literature, but none incorporate feedback for estimation. This paper outlines two feedback-based observers for temperature and irradiation, each with a different irradiation model, and validates the proposed observer techniques through simulation.

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