The Performance of V-Trough Solar Concentrator Photovoltaic Systems at Varying Panel Surface Temperatures

Abstract

The photovoltaic (PV) panel performances are dependent upon many factors. A study was executed to ascertain the effect of a V-Trough Concentrator (VTC) to be engaged on a PV Panel in this research where the performance of PV panels are compared at different surface temperatures both back and front. The experiment was conducted using two similar rated monocrystalline PV panels. One of the PV panels was installed with a VTC while the other is without the VTC that served as Control for benchmark purposes. The optimum VTC selected is a 60° VTC. Both PV systems were built with a lower supporting mechanism and were placed to operate under similar operating and weather situations, while the PV panel surface temperature both front surface and back surface, Open Circuit Voltage (Voc), as well as Short-Circuit Current (Isc) readings are being recorded down at specific time. The theoretical output is determined and compared. This paper ends with a presentation of the results obtained in a study on the PV panel surfaces temperature in relation to its performance by PV system using a 60o VTC.