Prediction of the optimum photovoltaic output based on cell temperature and solar irradiance

Abstract

Energy-harvesting photovoltaic (PV) systems are common, but due to the challenges in managing the output, they raise serious difficulties. Climate variables have an impact on the uneven output performance of PV panels. The sunlight and the surrounding environment are unlimited making it challenging to estimate a PV panel system's output of electricity. Not only that, The PV panel will only provide power in parallel with its rated capacity under the Standard Test Condition (STC). STC requires 1000 Watts of sun energy per meter square of solar irradiance and cell temperature of 25 degrees Celsius. Therefore, the changing weather, which will impact the output power, requires prediction. Since the PV panel output will not generate according to its rating, PV power generation predictions requiring calculations of elements such as weather, sun hours, and temperature play a significant role. Hence, this research is related to the prediction of the optimum photovoltaic output based on cell temperature and local solar irradiation. The novelty of this research is all of the surrounding parameters used to predict the PV output are focused on the local area in Batu Pahat, Johor where the UTHM campus is located.