Evaluation experimental of the impact of Saharan climate conditions on the infinity organic photovoltaic module performance

ABSTRACT This paper aims to analyse the effect of climate conditions on the performance of infinity PV organic solar cells in a Saharan setting in the region of Adrar (southern Algeria). The first part of this study consists of an analysis and assessment of organic photovoltaic (OPV) module degradation following a prolonged exposure to these open-air conditions (> 2 years). Inspection of the OPV module revealed various degradation modes such as solar cell deformation and coating degradation. A degradation assessment was conducted on the modules via I–V/P-V characteristics together with the rate of degradation of Pmax,Imp,Vmp,Isc,Voc and FF parameters under Standard Test Conditions (STC) to draw a comparison with the reference data provided by the photovoltaic panel manufacturer. Last, the impacts of partial shading, illumination, temperature, and dust accumulation were investigated to evaluate the evolution of both I–V and P-V curves.