PARTIAL SHADING AND ITS IMPACT ON PHOTOVOLTAIC PANEL PERFORMANCE

Abstract

This experimental study investigates the impact of partial shading on the performance of photovoltaic (PV) solar panels, specifically comparing mono-crystalline and polycrystalline types. Three different covering materials with varying transmittance levels—white leaf, tree leaf, and transparent paper—were used to create shading conditions. The shaded cell area varied by 20%, 50%, and 100%, and the electrical parameters of the modules were measured for each scenario. The transmittance levels of the covering materials were characterized to assess their influence on performance degradation. The results indicate that performance degradation is primarily influenced by the type of material used for shading and the extent of shading applied. Additionally, the type of PV panel significantly affects performance under shaded conditions, while the position of the shaded cell does not impact the results. This study provides insights into optimizing PV panel performance in environments with partial shading.