Effect of Shading on the Performance of Solar PV Panel

Abstract

Solar panels are gaining importance as a major alternate source of energy in the prevailing condition of depleting non renewable energy sources. Photovoltaic (PV) modules are being increasingly used in large as well as small scale installations. The performance of PV panels is affected by the shading effect due to trees, passing of clouds, neighboring buildings and any other means. This paper is an attempt to carry out systematic study of the effect of shading on the Power output, Fill factor and Efficiency of solar panel. A direct correlation was found between short circuit current and solar irradiation under uniform shading conditions. On the other hand, non uniform shading conditions yielded a variety of performance behavior. Such shading conditions should be avoided for better performance of solar panels.