Investigations on the effects of partial shading and dust accumulation on PV module performance

Abstract

In this paper, a self-designed PV module of Series–Parallel (SP) configuration has been developed using mono-crystalline solar cells for performance investigations under partial shading and dust accumulation conditions. For this study two moving shading patterns (horizontal and diagonal) and four dust samples of different particle properties have been considered at three irradiation levels. Comprehensive investigations are carried out on the considered system and results are obtained in terms of I–V, P–V characteristics, PV power, weight of dust accumulated on PV panel and irradiation level. The results show that diagonal partial shading pattern and ash dust sample have more significant effect on the PV module performance among all the considered shading patterns and dust samples.