CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY

The potential of renewable energy sources is enormous as they can meet up with

the world’s energy demand (Gwinyai, 2008). Renewable energy sources such as

biomass, hydropower, and geothermal can provide sustainable energy services,

based on the use of routinely available, indigenous resources. A transition to

renewable-based energy systems is looking increasingly high as their costs decline

while the price of oil and gas continue to fluctuate (Gwinyai, 2008).

Renewable is a term used for forms of energy which are not exhausted by use

overtime. It means that the renewable resources can be regenerated or renewed in a

relatively short time. Renewable energy sources currently supply somewhere

between 15 percent and 20 percent of world’s total energy demand (Hasan M. et al

, 2012). The supply is dominated by traditional biomass, mostly fuel and wood

used for cooking and heating, especially in developing countries in Africa, Asia

and Latin America (Markvart, 2000). A major contribution is also obtained from

the use of large hydropower, with nearly 20 percent of the global electricity supply

being provided by this source. New renewable energy sources (solar energy, wind

energy, geothermal energy, and small hydropower) are currently contributing about

two percent (Markvart, 2000). A number of scenario studies have investigated the
potential contribution of renewable to global energy supplies, indicating that in the

second half of the 21st century their contribution might range from the present

figure of nearly20 percent to more than 50percent with the right policies in place

(Xiao et al, 2007)

1.1.1 LIST OF ABUNDANT RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES

AVAILABLE

i. Biomass

ii. Wind energy

iii. Geothermal energy

iv. Solar energy

v. Hydropower

vi. Industrial Heat Recovery Power (IHRP)

1.1.2 SOLAR ENERGY

Solar radiation is available at any location on earth (Xiao et al 2007). The total

world average power at the earth’s surface in the form of solar radiation exceeds

the total current energy consumption by 15,000times, but its low density and
geographical and time variations pose major challenges to its efficient utilization.

The solar source is generally assessed on the following criteria: (Salih S, M, 2007).

 Power density

 Angular distribution (diffuse or direct components)

 Spectral distribution

The maximum power density of sunlight on earth is approximately 1KW/m 2

irrespective of location. Solar radiation per unit of area during a period of time is

defined as energy density or insulation ( Salih S, M, 2007).

1.1.3 MAJOR APPLICATIONS OF SOLAR ENERGY

i. Solar thermal: under the solar thermal we have the solar cooker, solar

dryer, solar water heater etc.

ii. Solar photovoltaic

1.1.4 SOLARPHOTOVOLTAIC

Photovoltaic is the field of technology and research related to the devices which

directly convert sunlight into electricity (Xiao et al, 2007) The solar cell is the

elementary building block of the photovoltaic technology (Xiao et al, 2007). Solar

cells are made of semiconductor materials, such as silicon. One of the properties of

semiconductor that makes them most useful is that their conductivity may easily be

modified by introducing impurities into their crystal lattice (Salih S, M, 2007).

Several types of PV panels exist, representing three generations of technology and

characterized by differentiated material composition (Xiao et al, 2012).

A number of solar cells electrically connected to each other and mounted in a

single support structure or frame is called a ‘photovoltaic module’. Modules are

designed to supply electricity at a certain voltage, such as a common 12volt

system, The current produced is directly dependent on the density of light reaching

the module, Several modules and arrays produce direct-current electricity ( Salih

S,M, 2007). They can be connected in both series and parallel electrical

arrangements to produce any required voltage and current combination (Xiao et al,

2012).

1.1.5 APPLICATIONS OF PHOTOVOLTAIC

There are however, inappropriate applications for photovoltaic, but the most

commonly applications of photovoltaic include:

i. Large scale power needs in sewer and water facilities.

ii. Back-up power supplies for Hospitals and Industries.

iii. Source of Electricity for domestic use.

1.2 STATEMENTS OF RESEARCH PROBLEM

 This study is based on High temperature effect on photovoltaic, as known

earlier photovoltaic represent the renewable energy by enabling the direct

conversion of solar radiation into electricity. But in this process, the solar radiation

come with both sunlight and heat which makes the photovoltaic absorb both the

heat and sunlight. As a result, high temperatures can also reduce PV power

production, the photovoltaic absorb much heat and the heat might render the

efficiency and performance of the PV system low, because the photovoltaic system

only needs the sunlight not the heat from the sun.

1.3 AIM AND OBJECTIVES

The aim of this work is to investigate the effect of temperature on the

performance of solar photovoltaic module.

The objectives are:

 To investigate the performance of photovoltaic panels on high temperature.

 To observe current/voltage characteristics of the photovoltaic panel.

 To determine the efficiency and performance of the panel

1.4 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

As fossil fuel has risen and concerns over greenhouse gases and

global climate change have increased, alternative technologies for producing

electricity have received greater attention. Among the technologies that may

help to address these concerns is solar photovoltaic cells (PVs), which

capture solar radiation and convert it directly into electrical energy. The

current direct cost of solar PV power is widely acknowledged to be much

greater than fossil fuel generation or many other renewable energy sources.

Solar power is generated during daylight hours and on average generated in

greater quantity when the sun is shining more intensely. PV system can also

include backup or uninterruptible power supply (UPS) system that can

operate selected circuits in a building for hours or days during a utility

outage. The basic building block of PV technology is the solar "cell"

multiple PV cells are connected to form a PV "module".

 CHAPTER TWO:

LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 REVIEW OF THE PREVIOUS WORK

The world population is growing at a rapid pace, and with this the global energy

consumed and demanded also grows. Speculation about the depletion of fossil fuel

reserves is a cause of concern for most governments and economies, and together

with climate change and energy security issues, drives a massive campaign for

clean and renewable energy options that would supplement the current energy

production technologies (De Vos, 2008). Most of the population growth is

expected to take place in developing countries such as South Africa; and with this

the demand for resources, including energy will increase. South Africa's recent and

continued electricity supply problems have clearly proved that South Africans

should be more energy independent, and focus on alternative ways to generate

electricity in a more diverse manner. Over the next ten years, scientists worked

hard to understand more about selenium. Then in early 1880s, Charles Fritts

invented the first PV cell by putting a layer of selenium on a metal plate and

coating it worth gold leaf. Placed in the sunlight, this cell made even more

electricity but not enough to be useful. One or two scientists became very excited

about this invention, but most scientists paid no attention to it. (De Vos, 2008).
Some thought it was just a worthless gimmick. Based on what they knew about

black materials capturing the sun's heat energy, they couldn't see how a cell that

wasn't black could use the sun's light to make electricity. Solar energy, irradiated

from the sun, can be converted into useful electrical energy through a direct

conversion process called Photovoltaic conversion (De Vos, 2008). Any direct

conversion of light into electricity is known as photovoltaic (Markvart, 2000).

The photovoltaic (PV) systems with other renewable energy forms are potential

ways to alleviate the problem of energy resources that we may face in the coming

years. A PV cell absorbs sunlight and converts it into electricity (Lewis et al,

2007). A part of the absorbed sunlight is converted into electricity while the other

part is converted to heat (Tiwari et al, 2011). This generated heat in addition to the

possible increase in the ambient temperature affects the material properties of a PV

cell which leads to negatively alter the power output of the PV cell, and

consequently its efficiency ( Rodrigues et al, 2011).

The evaluation of the effect of the variation of meteorological parameters is

extremely important in the prediction and estimation of performances taking into

account the actual operating conditions of power systems based on photovoltaic

modules. The installed system on a site is likely to behave differently if installed

on another place. This difference results from the variation of meteorological

parameters (Touati et al, 2013; Kamkird et al, 2012).

Temperature plays an important role in the solar photovoltaic conversion process.

It directly affects the electrical power of the photovoltaic module and consequently

the efficiency of the photovoltaic system. Temperature affects the electrical

parameters of the PV generator (module). As a result, the module's operating

temperature is an important parameter in assessing and predicting the performance

of photovoltaic systems (Radziemska et al 2002; Skoplaki et al, 2008).

The prediction of output of the modules must take into account the electrical,

physical and thermal properties of the cells, the solar radiation, the weather data

and the transfer of heat with the environment ( Skoplaki et al, 2008).

The effect of the operating temperature on the performances of a photovoltaic

module (polycrystalline silicon) has been studied by Malik et al.(2009) under the

atmospheric conditions in Brunei for a period of 2 years. They found that the

maximum power, efficiency and the module fill factor are degraded at high

operating temperatures, but a linear relationship cannot be correlated with different

variables. This decrease is due to thermal agitation which also increases the loss of

free carriers (Malik et al.2009).

Photovoltaic (PV) technology is still the fastest growing energy technology in the

world. Since 2002 worldwide PV production has been growing at an average of

48% per year, thus more than doubling every two years. It is expected that in the
most developed parts of the world the installation of PV modules for electricity

production will continue to increase at a rapid rate (Kropp, 2009).

In 2002 the installed capacity of solar PV power was 1.3 GW. By 2008, this has

grown to 1.5 GW; increasing installed capacity by almost 12 times in 6years (John,

2009). It was predicted that in 2009 PV installations would reach 3:9 GW

(Osbourne, 2009), it exceeded that amount with a total of 20:6 GW being sold at

the end of 2009 (Mints, 2010); with 19:6 GW being sold during the last ten years

(Mints,2010), showing again, that PV is definitely otherwise. Technologies of

production of solar cells are based on semiconductor materials. The greatest

development is observed in technologies is based on polycrystalline,

monocrystalline which exhibit better properties than amorphous silicon solar cells.

For this reason photovoltaic industry to a large degree takes advantage of

polycrystalline solar cells. One single polycrystalline solar cell with an area of

approximately 12.5cm2 generates a short circuit current of 0.3A and open circuit

voltage 0.5V when exposed to full sunshine. In most practical cases a single

crystalline solar cell 12.5cm2 generates enough electric power which reaches

approximately 0.12Wp (peak watts) at the maximum only. That is why, it is

necessary to interconnect greater number of solar cells into solar module.

Depending on the requirements, the individual solar cells can be connected in

series or parallel only or both in series and parallel.

2.2 SOLAR RADIATION

One of the basic processes behind the photovoltaic effect, on which the operation

of solar cells is based, is generation of the electron-hole pairs due to absorption of

visible or other electromagnetic radiation by a semiconductor material today we

accept that electromagnetic radiation can be described in terms of waves, which are

characterized by wavelength (λ) and frequency (v), or in terms of expressed in

electron volts. The following formulas show the relations between these quantities:

c
v= …………………………………………………………. 2.1
λ

1 hc
Hv= …………………………………………………….. 2.2
q λ

In equation (2.1) and (2.2) c is the speed of light in vacuum (2.998 x 108 m/s), h is

Planck's constant (6.625 x 10−34 Js), and q is the elementary charge (1.602 x 10−19 C).

For example, a green light can be characterized by having a wavelength of 0.55 ×

10 m, frequency of 5.45 ×10 Hz and energy of 2.25eV.

−6 14

The solar radiation is attenuated, when it passes through the earth’s atmosphere.

Since the spectral distribution of the solar radiation also depends on the

attenuation, various solar spectra can be measured at the earth’s surface. The

degree of attenuation is variable. The most important parameter that determines the

solar irradiance under clear sky conditions is the distance that the sunlight has to

travel through the atmosphere. The actual amount of solar radiation that reaches a
particular place on the earth is extremely variable. In addition to the regular daily

and yearly variation due to the apparent motion of the sun, irregular variations are

caused by local atmospheric conditions, such as clouds. These conditions

particularly influence the direct and diffuse components of solar radiation.

2.3 SOLAR CELL

The solar cell is the basic building block of solar photovoltaic. The cell can be

considered as a two terminal device which conducts like a diode in the dark and

generates a photo-voltage when charged by the sun. Usually, it is a thin slice of

semiconductor material of around 100cm2 in area. The surface is treated to react to

as little visible light as possible and appears to be dark blue or black. A pattern of

metal contacts is imprinted on the surface to make electrical contact. When

charged by the sun, this basic unit generates a dc photo voltage of 0.5 to 1volt and

in short circuit, a photocurrent of some ten of milliamps per cm 2. Although the

current is reasonable, the voltage is too small for most applications. To produce

useful dc voltages, the cells are connected together in series and encapsulated into

modules. A module typically contains 28 to 36 cells in series, to generate a dc

output voltage of 12V in standard illumination conditions. The 12V modules can

be used singly, or connected in parallel and series into an array with a larger

current and voltage output, according to the power demanded by the application.

2.4 CLASSIFICATION OF SOLAR CELL

There are basically two main classification of solar cell:

1- Crystalline solar cell, also the crystalline solar cell is classified into two

i. Polycrystalline and

ii. Monocrystalline

2- Amorphous solar cell

2.4.1 POLYCRYSTALLINE SOLAR CELL

Polycrystalline or multicrystalline, photovoltaic use a series of cells in place of the

single large cell used in monocrystalline panels. Polycrystalline photovoltaic are

the least expensive form of photovoltaic available today, though the costs of

producing individual cells still be high. The drawback of these panels is that they

have lower efficiency rates than monocrystalline panels, at 12-14% efficiency.

2.4.2 MONOCRYSTALLINE SOLAR CELL

Monocrystalline panels use crystalline silicon, a basic semiconductor material.

Crystalline silicon is produced in large sheets that can be cut to a specific size and

used as one large cell in a panel. Conducting metal strips are laid over the entire

cell to collect electrons from cell into an electric current. These panels are more

expensive to produce that the polycrystalline panels that follow. However, they are

highly efficient and are often more cost-effective in the long run as a result.
Monocrystalline panels are typically 15-18% efficient, meaning that for every

unitof solar energy that hits the cell, the panel can convert 15-18% of this energy

into electricity.

2.5 LOAD LINE RESISTANCE

A load line is use in graphical analysis of nonlinear electronic circuits, representing

the constrain other parts of the circuits place on a nonlinear device. It is usually

drawn on a graph of the current VS voltage in the nonlinear device, called the

device a straight line; represent the response of a linear circuit.

Vm
Rl=R mp= ……………………………………………….. 2.3
Im

2.6 EFFICIENCY OF THE SOLAR CELL

Solar cell efficiency is the ratio of the electrical output of a solar cell to the

incident energy in the form sunlight. The energy conversion (η) of a solar cell is

the percentage of the solar energy to which the solar cell is exposed that is

converted into electrical energy.

Efficiency is calculated by dividing a cell’s power output (in watts) at its maximum

power point (Pm) by the input light (E, in W/m 2) and the surface area of the solar

cell (Ac in m2).

 Pm
η= ………………………………………………………. 2.4
E x Ac

Where n is the energy conversion efficiency, Pm is the maximum power point, E is

the input of light, and Ac is the surface area of the solar cell.

2.7 FILL FACTOR OF SOLAR CELL

Fill factor refers to the ratio of maximum obtainable power to the product of the

open circuit voltage and short circuit current. The fill factor which is commonly

known as “FF” is the parameter which, in conjunction with V oc and Isc, determines

the maximum power from a solar cell. The fill factor is defined as the ratio of the

maximum power from the solar cells to the product of V OC and ISC. Fill factor is

determined empirically as;

V oc−¿ (V oc + 0.72)
FF= ………………………………………………… 2.5
V oc + 1

q
Where VOC is defined as “normalized VOC” V oc = nKT V oc or equation

Pmax I m x V m
FF= = …………………………………………………... 2.6
Ptotal I sc x V oc
 CHAPTER THREE

3.1 MATERIALS, EXPERIMENTAL SETUP AND METHODOLOGY

3.1.1 MATERIAL

In this project, to determine the effect of temperature on monocrystaline pv

modules, the materials use are;-

I. Commercially available pv modules [monocrystaline] photovoltaic modules

II. Irradiance meter [pyranometer]

III. Three (3)camp meters

IV. K-thermocouples thermometer

V. Connecting wires

i. Irradiance meter

an irradiance meter gives digital redoubt of the sun power. Just point the

calibrated pv cell at the sun and read the irradiance in watt/m2.its great for

those who test pv modules or arrays in the fied. its rugged and its small size

(25’’ X4.5’’ X0.8’’) AND WEIGHT ( less than6 ounces, make it ideal for

anyone needing an instantaneous

A clamp meter is an electrical test tool that combines a basic digital

multimeter with a current sensor.

Clamps measure current. Probes measure voltage. Having a hinged jaw integrated

into an electrical meter allows technicians to clamp the jaws around a wire, cable

or other conductor at any point in an electrical system, then measure current in that

circuit without disconnecting/deenergizing it.

A monocrystalline( pv modules) is a solar panel comprising monocrystalline

solar cells. These cells are made from a cylindrical silicon ingot grown from a

single crystal of silicon of high purity in the same way as a semiconductor. The

cylindrical ingot is sliced into wafers forming cells. To maximize the utility of the

cells, the circular wafers are wire cut to an octagonal shaped wafer. These cells

have a unique look because of the octagonal shape. These cells also have a uniform

colour.

EXPERIMENTAL SETUP AND POSITION OF PV MODULE SHOWING

DIRECTION TOWARD SUN AND TILT ANGLE

Mono-cry 333 V clamp

Pv Modules Meter
33

Positioning of photovoltaic module showing dire din toured the sun and tilt angle

methodology

In this project, commercially available pv modules (monocrystalline ) used in this

experiment was placed on a south facing structure at a fixed tilt angle of 48c with

horizontal plane. Table 3.3 show the technical specification and physical dimention

of pv modules used in this study. Monocrystaline pv module wwwre connectedto

clamp meter to measured voc and temperature peak.

Table 3.3

s/n Dimention Monocrystaline pv

module

1 Module area (m2) 0.75

2 No.cells (in series) 4*9

3 Weight (kg) 13.5

Rated values at standard test condition (STC)

1 Maximum power pmax (w) 150w

2 Maximum current Imax (A) 8.57

3 Maximum voltage vmax (v) 17.5v

4 Voc 22.05

5 Isc 9.60

The global solar radiation (G.S.R0 in plane with the PV modules was measured

using irradiance meter (pyranometer) and value at each 1 hour interval was

obtained and recorded.

The k- thermocouple thermometer was used to measure the PV module

temperature at each 1 hour and sata obtained was recorded.

THE SHORT –CIRCUIT current ISC was also measured by short –circuit the

circuit when the clamp is inserting in between and the obtainable were recorded.

The open circuit voltage voc was also obtained from the voltage measuring used in

the experience at every 1hour interval and value obtained is recorded.

The module parameter(maximum power Pmax, Vmax, Imax) were obtained from the I-

V characteristic graph plotted the measured average current & voltage data.

The experiment was performed in Katsina, Nigeria (Latitude 12.3139 oN

longitude7. 6114oE) at Ibrahim Shehu Shema Centre for Research and Renewable

Energy, Umar Musa Yar’adua University Katsina, Katsina State. Measurements

were taken for alternative days (1 week) on 1hour basis from 7:am to 6pm .

The output power of PV module used in this study was not the same so for

comparison purpose we have normalized output power of PV modules with their

output power at STC. The module efficiency depends upon the active area of the

PV module. The active area is the actual area of the module in which photovoltaic

process takes place

3.4 PERFORMANCE RELATED PARAMETERS OF PV MODULES

1. Maximum power Pmax

2. Maximum power Vmax

3. Maximum Current Imax

4. Fill factor

5. Performance

6. Modules Efficiency

7. Normalized power output

1. MAXIMUM POWER (Pmax)

The maximum power (Pmax) is the product of maximum voltage and maximum

current. Its symbol is Pmax measured in watt (w).

Pmax =Vmax X Imax

Where Pmax maximum power, Vmax maximum voltage, Imax maximum Current.

2. FILL - FACTOR

The fill factor is the ratio of the maximum power Pmax to the product of the

Voc and Isc.

pmax
FF= voc xIsc
Where FF=Fill factor, Pmax maximum power, VOC open circuit voltage Isc =

Short- Circuit current.

3. CONVERSION EFFICIENCY

The conversion efficiency of a PV module is the ratio ot maximum power Pmax

generated by the photovoltaic module to the product of the irradiance incident on

the PV module and active area of the PV module.

pmax
£c= ExAa x 100£

Where £c is the conversion efficiency, E = direct solar irradiance A a is the active

area of the PV module.

4. Open - circuit voltage (Voc)

The open circuit voltage (Voc) is the voltage across the photovoltaic module

when the current bin the PV module is Zero.

5. Short - circuit current (Isc)

The short - circuit current (Isc) is the current across the photovoltaic module when

there is no flow of current in the PV module (i.e when the voltage is Zero).

3.5CONVERSION EFFICIENCY
 The conversion efficiency of a photovoltaic (PV) cells, or solar cell, is the

percentage of the solar energy shining on a PV module that is converted in to

usable electricity, improving the conversion efficiency is a key goal of research

and help make PV technologies cos - impetitive with conventional sources of

energy

FACTORS AFFECTING CONVERSION EFFICIENCY

Not all of the sunlight that reaches PV cell is converted into electricity. In fact,

most of it is lost. Multiple factors in solar cell design play roles in limiting a cell.

Designing with these factors in mind is how higher efficiencies can be achieve.

1. WAVELENGTH

Light is composed of photo - or packets of energy that have a wide range of

were length and energy . The sunlight that reaches the earth's Surface has

wavelengths from ultraviolet, through visible range, to infrared, when light strike

the surface of a solar cell, some photons are reflected, while Others pass right

through. Some of the absorbed photons have their energy turned into heat, the

remainders have the right amount of energy to separate electrons from atomic

bonds to produce charge carriers and electric current.

2. RECOMBINATION
 One way electric current to flow in a semiconductor is for a charge carrier, Such

as a negatively charged electron, to flow across the material. Another such charge

carrier is known as a "hole which represents the absence of an electron within the

materials and acts like a positive charge carrier. when an encounters a hole, they

may recombine and therefore cancel there contribution to the electric current.

Direct recombination, in which light generated electrons and holes encounter each

other, recombine and emits a photo, reverses one process from which electricity is

generated a solar cell. It's one of the fun demented factors that limit efficiency.

Indirect recombination is a process in which the electrons or holes encounter an

impurity, a defect in the crystal structure or interface that make it easier for them to

recombine and release their energy as heat.

3. TEMPERATURE

Solar photovoltaic modules (pv) generally Work best at low temperature

higher temperature cause the semiconductor properties to shifting in a slight

Increase in temperature can also damage the cell and other module materials

leading shorter operating lifetime since much of the sunlight shining on cells or

module becomes heat, proper thermal management increase both efficiency and

lifetime.

4. REFLECTION
 The module or cell's efficiency can be increased by minimizing the amount of

light reflected away from the module or cells. For example untreated silicon

reflects more than 30% of incidents light. Anti reflection coating and texured

Surfaces help decrease reflection. A high efficiency cell will appear dark blue or

black.

5. DIFFUSION

In a silicon wafer when the junction is formed a conductor occurs between p -

type and n type materials. This results in movements of electrons from n- side to p

- side and holes from p - side to n - Side through the junction when a holes diffused

to n - side it leaves behind an unused acceptor at p - side and when the election

leaves the n - side region, it leaves behind an ionized donor at the n side the

movement from n- side to p- side and the hoes from p-side to n- side is diffusion

which results in diffusion current.

 CHAPTER FOUR

4.1 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

The result and analysis carried in this research and the discussion of the results are

presented in this chapter.

Table 4.1 through 4.7; present the raw data of the Open Circuit Voltages (Voc),

Short Circuit Currents (Isc), the Irradiancies, the Module’s Surface Temperatures (
0
C ) and the products of Voc and Isc of the mean average of seven experimental

days with their corresponding times.

Table 4.1: Open Circuit Voltages (Voc) of the days of experiment and their

averages

Hour (H) Voc (V) 1 Voc (V) 2 Voc (V) 3 Voc (V) 4 Voc (V) 5 Voc (V) 6 Voc (V) 7 AVERAGE V
6:00 18.8 18.2 18.92 18.2 18.75 18.8 18.2 18.6
7:00 19.5 19 19.11 18.9 19 19.5 19 19.1
8:00 20 19.38 19.38 19 19.16 20 19.38 19.5
9:00 20.2 19.22 19.88 19.22 19.25 20.2 19.22 19.6
10:00 20.52 20.52 20.14 19.52 20.19 20.52 20.52 20.3
11:00 20.30 20.30 20.51 20.44 20.57 20.30 20.30 20.4
12:00 19.90 19.86 19.86 19.94 19.37 19.93 19.93 19.8
13:00 19.93 19.9 20.44 20 19.89 20.23 19.99 20.1
14:00 19.95 19.26 19.26 19.41 20.19 19.95 19.26 19.6
15:00 20.05 20.05 19.44 19.58 20.11 20.05 20.05 19.9
16:00 19.93 19.21 19.21 19.33 19.21 19.93 19.21 19.4
17:00 18.00 19 19.16 19 19.12 18.00 19 18.8
18:00 17.82 18.99 19 18.8 18.99 17.82 18.99 18.6
Table 4.2: Short Circuit Currents (Isc) of the days of experiment and their averages

Hour (H) Isc (A) 1 Isc (A) 2 Isc (A) 3 Isc (A) 4 Isc (A) 5 Isc (A) 6 Isc (A) 7 AVERAGE I
6:00 5.2 4.8 3.9 4.8 5.9 5.2 4.8 4.9
7:00 5.7 6.4 4.6 5.1 6.4 5.7 6.4 5.8
8:00 6.1 5.5 5.5 5.6 6.9 6.1 5.5 5.9
9:00 6.4 6.8 7.2 6.8 7.5 6.4 6.8 6.8
10:00 6.6 6.6 8 7.2 8.1 6.6 6.6 7.1
11:00 8.8 8.8 8.8 8.7 8.6 8.8 8.6 8.7
12:00 8.4 8.4 8 8.1 7.9 8.3 8.4 8.2
13:00 8.7 8.8 8.8 8.6 8.8 8.7 8.8 8.7
14:00 7.3 7.7 7.7 7.6 7.2 7.3 7.7 7.5
15:00 6.3 6.3 6.8 7.8 6.5 6.3 6.3 6.6
16:00 6.2 6.5 5.6 6.4 6.5 6.2 6.5 6.3
17:00 5.9 5.2 4.4 5.2 5.4 5.9 5.2 5.3
18:00 5.1 4.8 3.7 4.7 4.8 5.1 4.8 4.7
Table 4.3: Module’s Surface Temperatures of the days of experiment and their

averages

Hour (H) Temp. 1 Temp. 2 Temp. 3 Temp. 4 Temp. 5 Temp. 6 Temp. 7 AVERAGE T
6:00 31.4 29.3 30.8 29.3 28.6 31.4 29.3 30.0
7:00 32.9 32.6 32.3 31.2 32.6 32.9 32.6 32.4
8:00 32.7 34.1 34.1 32 34.9 32.7 34.1 33.5
9:00 36.5 34.7 36.3 34.7 37 36.5 34.7 35.8
10:00 39 39 39.2 38.3 39.6 39 39 39.0
11:00 44 44 43.6 43.6 46.2 44 44 44.2
12:00 51 51 53.2 53 53.8 51 51 52.0
13:00 45.3 48.7 48.7 43.5 48.3 45.3 48.7 46.9
14:00 43 43.7 43.7 42.7 42.9 43 43.7 43.2
15:00 42.8 42.8 39.8 43 39.4 42.8 42.8 41.9
16:00 39.6 36.9 37.2 38.1 36.9 39.6 36.9 37.9
17:00 33.2 33.4 32.9 33.4 33.2 33.2 33.4 33.2
18:00 30.5 29.8 31.1 30 29.8 30.5 29.8 30.2

Hour (H) AVR (I*V)(W)

6:00 91.7
7:00 110.2
8:00 114.6
9:00 134.1
10:00 144.0
11:00 178.0
12:00 162.9
13:00 175.3
14:00 147.1
15:00 131.7
16:00 121.9
17:00 99.7
18:00 87.8
 Average Voltage Average Temp. Average Current
60.0

50.0

40.0

30.0

20.0

10.0

0.0
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13

Figure 4.1 shows that the module’s output value of the open circuit voltage and
open circuit current were increasing and decreasing linearly with that of the
temperature except around the peak point of the temperature (6 to 8) ie. 11:00 to
1:00 where the Isc slightly and Voc sharply decreased with the increase in
temperature.
 Average Temp. Average Output Power
200.0

180.0

160.0

140.0

120.0

100.0

80.0

60.0

40.0

20.0

0.0
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13

Figure 4.2 makes a clear indication of the effect of the temperature discussed on
figure 4.1 above, since the product of the open circuit voltage and the short circuit
current ( ie. The module power) is plotted against the surface’s temperature of the
module. In this graph the product of slight and sharp decrease of Isc and Voc
shows a significant negative effect on power produced by the solar module.

CHAPTER FIVE

SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

5.1 Summary
Many experimental researches had been done on the improvement of the
performance of solar PV modules but are limited in considering the real time
operation at higher temperatures. Commonly, solar PV system users have been
facing challenges of systems not giving out the required designed output power
despite having abundance sun light, and this is among the reasons why people
consider the solar PV power systems not reliable.
This project work aimed at assessing the effect of temperature of monocrystalline
solar PV module, the following objectives are achieved:
 The output parameters of the monocrytalline solar module i.e open circuit
voltage Voc short circuit current, Isc, module’s surface temperature as well as
the solar irradiance of the set days was measured and recorded.
 The raw data was computed and the accuracy and better result was obtained.
 The data was analyzed using some graphs on Microsoft Excel and the aim of
the research was achieved.

5.2 Conclusion
Experimental test of the output parameters of the Monocrystalline solar
photovoltaic module was carried out in relation with the temperature of its surface.
Observations showed that there is a certain point of temperature whereby the
output parameters i.e. Open Circuit Voltage (Voc), Short Circuit Current (Isc) and
their product are no longer increasing linearly with increase in the surface
temperature of the module.
The result clearly indicated that when the module’s surface temperature reached a
temperature of 45oC, the output power of the module is then decreasing
proportionally with the increase in that temperature.

5.3 Recommendation
i. The researchers in the field of production of solar Panel should put
emphasis on improving the temperature resistance on the performance of
the solar module.
ii. The designers of solar PV systems should consider this effect and
incorporate it as a factor in the worth case scenarios of their designs.
 iii. The solar PV system users should bear it in mine that their system might
have low power generation at higher temperature conditions so as to
avoid peak loading during this times.

References

McGraw-Hill “Encyclopedia of Science and Technology” 8 th edition, vol. 16.

Lake side press, Pennsylvania USA 1997.

Mini Grid Design hand book, 2nd Edition June 2017, GIZ Nigerian Energy
Support Programme (NESP)

RAI, G.D. “An Introduction to Power Plant technology” 3 rd edition, Kannah

publishers 2004 Delhi India.

Renewable Energy site “Solar Photovoltaic Projects”. Retrieved: September 24 th

2019 from www.buildisolar.com

Solar PV Installation supervision hand book, 3rd Edition March 2017, GIZ
Nigerian Energy Support Programme (NESP)

Solar PV Installation hand book, 1 st Edition June 2016, GIZ Nigerian Energy
Support Programme (NESP)

'Subtle is the Lord...' The Science and Life of Albert Einstein, Abraham Pais,
Oxford 1982.

Inward Bound, Abraham Pais, Oxford, 1986

The Project Physics Course, Text, Holt, Rinehart, Winston, 1970

Appendix
L length

B Breadth

A Area

H Height

E Solar Radiation

η Efficiency

P Power

I Current of Panel

V Voltage of Panel

P Power of Panel

η Efficiency of Panel

T Temperature of Panel

Ta Ambient Temperature

I Current of Panel

V Voltage of Panel