Simulation-based Solar PV Module Maximum Output Power and Dust Accumulation Profiles

Abstract

Solar photovoltaic (PV) modules performance is very important as part of the performance of over overall solar PV system. The PV performance is affected by varying factors with some of such factors being external to the PV module design and construction. Dust accumulation on PV module surface is one of such factors because it limits solar irradiance incident in the PV module surface. This paper establishes the yearly maximum output power profile of a PV module and contrast such profile with yearly dust accumulation profile at the same site. A Simulink model and excel are used in the simulation and profiles development. The results show that the maximum power output is lowest around the months of May, June and July which is winter season in the southern hemisphere and improves gradually as summer months are approached. The results also show a close relationship between wind speed and dust accumulation where monthly accumulation increases with increasing wind speed and decreases with low wind speed. The yearly dust accumulation increases cumulatively from one month to the as opposed to the maximum power profile for the year.