Outdoor measurement of mono and poly c-Si PV modules and array characteristics under varying load in hot-humid tropical climate

Abstract

This paper introduces the outdoor performance of mono and poly c-Si PV modules and array under hot-humid tropical climate. An experimental setup which is portable and flexible is designed for assessing the performance of PV modules under any climate at any location. In this paper, two different types of PV modules were chosen and their outdoor performance is assessed based on various parameters. These parameters include open circuit voltage, short circuit current, maximum power output of a PV array or module, fill factor, I-V and P-V characteristics, and efficiency. Studies were carried out in four different cases: In case 1, only mono crystalline silicon (mono c-Si) PV module parameters were measured with respect to step variations in load. In case 2, only poly crystalline silicon (poly c-Si) PV module parameters were measured with respect to step variations in load. In case 3, one mono and one poly c-Si modules were connected in series combination. In case 4, one mono and one poly c-Si modules were connected in parallel combination. Experimental results shows the performance comparison of two different types of PV modules under similar outdoor field condition in case 1 and case 2. Similarly case 3 and case 4 reveal the performance comparison of series and parallel combination of PV modules. Finally, efficiency of PV module and array, fill factor, I-V and P-V characteristics in each case is analyzed. Influence of outdoor field conditions on these parameters were also investigated, paving a way for efficient utilization of available mono and poly crystalline PV modules for solar power generation.