Performance Characteristics of Photovoltaic Modules at Optimal Tilt Angle with Varying Shading Conditions: Embu County, Kenya Case Study

Photovoltaic (PV) modules are widely used technologies for converting solar radiation directly into electrical energy. This study investigated the performance characteristics of PV modules under varying shading conditions and tilt angles. The optimal tilt angle for Embu County was determined by adjusting the tilt of photovoltaic modules at different angles. Five PV modules (M_۱, M_۲, M_۳, M_۴ M_۵) with identical specifications were installed on the rooftop of a selected building at the University of Embu and inclined at ۰°, ۵°, ۱۰°, ۱۵°, and ۲۰°, respectively, all oriented along the south-north axis. Each module was connected to two multimeters to record variations in current and voltage. The modules were cleaned weekly, and the accumulated dust and particles were weighed using a beam balance. The average monthly accumulation of dust and particles was subsequently computed. To reduce costs and minimize risks associated with adjustments, a tilt angle of ۱۰° is recommended for fixed PV modules, as this angle represents the optimal tilt for eight out of twelve months, accounting for ۶۶.۶۷% of the year. The effect of shading on the performance of PV modules inclined at ۱۰° and ۱۵° under different shading conditions was also examined. The results indicated that shading significantly reduces the output of the PV modules, with shading levels of ۲۵% and ۱۰۰% corresponding to a ۳۶%–۹۵% reduction in performance at both tilt angles. Shading did not affect the determination of the optimum tilt angle but primarily influenced the performance of the PV modules.

کلیدواژه ها:

Photovoltaic ، Tilt ، Optimal angle ، shading conditions ، Energy