Effects of different environmental and operational factors on the PV performance: A comprehensive review. Issue 2 (27th December 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hasan, Khaled; Yousuf, Sumaiya Binty; Tushar, Mohammad Shahed Hasan Khan; Das, Barun K.; Das, Pronob; Islam, Md. Saiful
• Is Part Of: Energy science & engineering. Volume 10:Issue 2(2022)
• Page Start: 656
• Page End: 675
• Publication Date: 2021-12-27
• Subjects: Energy industries -- Periodicals; Energy development -- Periodicals; Power resources -- Periodicals; 621.042
• DOI: 10.1002/ese3.1043
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2050-0505

Abstract

Abstract: Conventional fossil fuel‐based power generation is one of the main contributors to global environmental pollutions. The rapid depletion of fossil fuel reserves as well as their adverse environmental impact heighten the quest for cleaner and sustainable energy resources to generate electricity. Solar energy is an unlimited and immeasurable source of renewable energy that is used for direct electricity production through the solar PV cell. However, environmental conditions as well as operation and maintenance of the solar PV cell affect the optimum output and substantially impact the energy conversion efficiency, productivity and lifetime, thus affect the economy of power generation. In this study, an investigation about recent works regarding the effect of environmental and operational factors on the performance of solar PV cell is presented. It is found that dust allocation and soiling effect are crucial, along with the humidity and temperature that largely affect the performance of PV module. Additionally, the wind itself carries a significant amount of dust and sand particles, especially in the deserted areas. Deposition of dust in humid conditions forms adhesive, sticky mud on the PV cell and worsens the situation as it reduces the power generation up to 60–70%. This study discusses advanced approaches to mitigate the effects of these factors with their relative merits and challenges. Finally, a guideline is proposed to minimize the effect of different environmental and operational factors to optimize the performance of solar PV cell. Abstract : In this paper, a comprehensive literature review most influencing environmental and operational factors on the solar PV performance is expressively discussed. Among all the environmental factors, dust allocation and soiling effect are crucial, along with humidity and temperature. The results indicate that a maximum of 45% reduction in efficiency occurs at 60.5% humidity.