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Efficiency Modeling of Photovoltaic Panels under Rain and Dust Conditions

Abstract:

This paper studies the energy efficiency behavior of a 300-watt polycrystalline photovoltaic panel, altered by: (i) rain, (ii) dust, and (iii) natural or artificial shading. The panel was located in the field under conditions (rain and dust conditions) independently. A system was developed to obtain both electrical variables (voltage and current), as well as environmental variables (irradiance, cell temperature, ambient temperature and relative humidity). Subsequently, using the data obtained, we model the equation for the output power of the panel, which is validated for the following scenarios: 1. Panel with ideal conditions, that is completely clean and without any alteration. 2. Panel exposed to rainy conditions, emulating water jets in all directions with lance and nozzle of 6.3 millimeters at a speed of 12.5 liters per minute. 3. Panel contaminated with emulated dust to a talc measure of 2 kilograms per cubic meter. 4. Shading was emulated on the solar panel, both partially and totally, the same was done for the pyranometer partially. The powers and efficiency are contrasted, presenting the change in efficiency in percentages, in order to recognize each case studied, all for the goal to obtain a tool for the truthful and optimal maintenance of the panel.