Variability of Photovoltaic System Efficiency for Effective Solar Power Production over Akure, Southwest Nigeria

In light of the global need for renewable energy as part of effort to reduce fossil fuel dependence, coupled with abundance of solar energy available over a tropical location, the need to effectively utilize photovoltaic energy cannot be overstated. Atmospheric weather parameters were measured on a daily basis from January 2007 to December 2011 at 30-minute intervals using the Davis 6162 Wireless Vantage Pro2 weather station. This work employs in-situ measurement of solar radiation over Akure (7°15’N, 5°06’E) for estimating the variability of solar PV system efficiency and effective energy budget in the region. The dependence of the system efficiency on weather variables and mounting options for installation was investigated. The energy balance, detailing the comparative advantage of the different mounting options were also carried out. Tracking option yield the most effective result and it offers appreciable energy balance that offsets any deficit associated with its high cost of installation.