A Review of Factors Affecting the Efficiency and Output of a PV System Applied in Tropical Climate

Abstract

The awareness of people and government toward the use of renewable energy for electricity generation has increased the application of PV system to power houses and offices. The environmental merits of PV system also add to the benefits gained from this direct conversion of solar energy into electricity. The remote islands located far from government's electricity generation can have an alternative electricity source from PV systems. However, the efficiency and output of a PV system are affected by some factors including environmental factors found in the tropical climate. Indonesian climate both gives advantages and disadvantages to the electricity efficiency and output of a PV System. High temperature and humidity, dust accumulation, and sea salt effect are among of the environmental impacts of Indonesia's tropical climate and topology. This paper is a review study on factors affecting the efficiency and output of a PV system applied in the tropical climate. This study is based on a literature review and analysis of PV system installation in some places in Palembang and remote areas near Palembang. This study gives a recommendation to encounters the environmental disadvantages of PV system application in the tropical climate. This study recommends the factors need to be address when applying the PV system in tropical climate.