Author: Modu A.G., Adam B. and I. Mustapha.

Abstract:

A solar module is constructed by connecting a number of cells in series to get a practically usable voltage. Partial shading of a Solar Photovoltaic Module is one of the main causes of overheating of shaded cells and reduced energy yield of the module. This work is a study of the effects of partial shading on the performance of a PV module. A PSCAD simulation model that represents 36 cells PV module under partially shaded conditions has been used to test several shading profiles and the results are presented. From the results obtained during the study conducted on solar panels under normal conditions, Maiduguri weather conditions, and partial shading levels of 25%, 50%, and 75% it can be concluded that the output power produced by solar panels under normal conditions and various shading levels are 110, 65 and 15 Watts. The result has shown that partial shading can reduce the value of the output power produced by solar panels under normal conditions.