A model for effect of partial shading on PV panels with experimental validation

This paper aims to develop and validate an empirical model to quantify the impact of partial shading on photovoltaic (PV) panel performance. Partial shading, a significant challenge in solar power generation, can drastically reduce energy output, yet predicting its effects remains difficult using conventional models. This study introduces a methodology that models partial shading as an equivalent reduction in solar insolation across the entire panel. The model was derived from empirical data gathered under various shading scenarios, and curve-fitting techniques were employed to establish an empirical relationship between shading patterns and power loss. The proposed model was experimentally validated on a rooftop PV system in Bengaluru, India, and demonstrated precise predictions of power loss under different partial shading conditions. The framework presented can be adapted to accommodate location-specific variables, providing a versatile tool for evaluating and optimizing PV system performance in partially shaded urban environments.