The Effects of Solar Panel Temperature on the Power Output Efficiency in Calabar, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: The current push for adoption of alternative energy
sources necessitates research into parameters that would enhance
the optimum harvest of the benefits of such efforts.
Purpose: To determine the effects of solar panel temperature on its
efficiency in Calabar, Nigeria, by determining the output current
and voltage changes due to solar panel temperature.
Materials and Methods: A modern digital thermometer, Model
220k type, and Alda ADV 890C digital multimeter, were used to
obtain measurements of solar panel temperatures, current and
voltage, respectively, in Calabar, Nigeria. Comparisons were made
of the values of current and voltage obtained with solar panel
temperature changes, and efficiency of the output of the solar
panels determined by calculation using efficiency as given by
Kachhava (2003).
Results: Results indicate that a maximum output current of
18.4x10-1A was recorded at 42.8oC. Beyond this temperature the
output current dropped down to 12x10-1A at 54.8oC. The voltage
output remained relatively stable as solar panel temperature
increased. Power output efficiency dropped from 82.3% at 42.8oC
to 52.4% at 54.8oC.
Conclusion: High solar panel temperatures may have adverse
effects on solar panel efficiency. The result obtained in this study
suggest a maximum operating temperature of solar panel in
Calabar, Nigeria.