Photovoltaic Cell Output Voltage Variations with Time and Inclination Angle

Abstract

The problems with electrical power distribution coupled with its unavailability and uncertainty when urgently needed has led many households to seek alternative sources of energy. An alternative often sought is power generation based on fossil fuel, which is expensive and negatively impact on the environment. Although, solar is favoured as viable source of energy, the output voltage and current from photovoltaic solar panels are not constant but varies with time of day, geographical location and inclination or tilting angle. Therefore, there is a need to experimentally observe these factors influencing solar output in a locality of interest for better solar power system design. In this paper we investigated the best inclination angle for PV panel installation in Offa, North Central Nigeria. We also studied the variation of solar panel voltage and current output with time of day. In order to assist solar power system designer, this article presented typical energy consumption pattern for different income classes. The highest PV voltage output was obtained at 300 -400. Moreover, from experimental observation of variation of solar PV during a daytime hours over a seven-day period, the highest voltage and current readings were obtained at around 13:00-13:30. We report that the energy consumed by households ranges from 4.423 kWh/day to 46.520 kWh/day.