A review of operational factors affecting photovoltaic system performance

Abstract

The reduction in manufacturing costs of photovoltaic (PV) systems has driven significant growth in the PV industry. This expansion has shifted the current challenge from constructing new PV systems to maximizing the performance and longevity of installed PV modules. PV performance is influenced by two major categories of factors: environmental and operational. While environmental factors, such as dust and temperature, have been extensively studied, operational factors — critical for optimizing system efficiency — have not received the same level of attention. This study analyzes 102 articles focusing on operational factors such as PV technology, tilt and orientation angles, surface properties, height, and component aging, while also examining their interaction with environmental factors, particularly dust. In addition, the study compiles a set of standardized metrics aimed at quantifying efficiency losses and enabling consistent comparisons across studies. Finally, this review outlines a roadmap identifying key research gaps and provides recommendations for improving PV system performance. This roadmap offers valuable insights for researchers, engineers, and policymakers to better understand and address the operational factors that influence the efficiency and lifespan of PV systems.