Abstract
The use of photovoltaic cells (solar cells) for generation of electricity is no longer uncommon in Nigeria; this is because solar energy is undoubtedly part of the solution to the problem of dwindling fossil-fuel reserves. Various technologies of photovoltaic systems are imported from different countries and are being used locally with little or no information of their appraisal and field performance. In this work the performance efficiency of a silicon based solar panel operating under ambient conditions has been determined in an experiment using an off the shelf PV module. Measurements were taken while varying the direction of the panel, the tilt angle and illuminance during the day. Results show that PV installations within Benue State and most areas within the north-Central geopolitical region will perform optimally when installed at 15⁰ in the direction of the south. Apart from outlining the efficiency limiting factors, this work also provides an efficiency chart with data that can be used for solar installation.
Highlights
For decades in Nigeria, power supply has been very epileptic, amidst several efforts by both government and investors to address the issue
The maximum efficiency of Conclusion From the result and analysis presented, it can be observed that under the prevailing weather and other atmospheric conditions, the efficiency and maximum power point of the panel varies with illuminance and tilt angle
Fixing the illuminance at constant level and assuming that the internal quantum efficiency is constant, we are able to determine an optimum position for installation of PV module with Benue state which can be generalized in areas with comparable weather conditions
Summary
The performance of a solar cell is estimated by the current density-voltage (J-V) characteristic, where active cell parameters such as short circuit current density (Jsc), open circuit voltage (Voc), maximum current and voltage (Jmax& Vmax), can be measured Once these parameters are measured, the cell maximum power, the fill factor (FF) and efficiency (η) can be calculated. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of changes in the output power of a silicon based photovoltaic cell operating under ambient conditions due to variatioans in the angle of tilt and direction of the panel This is necessary in order to make sure that the panel imported into this country meets the desired specification as prescribed on its rating. It will serve as baseline information for PV installation Engineers and other relevant agencies
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