Seasonal Variation and the Performance of Photovoltaic Panels Under El- Kharga Oasis Conditions, Egypt

Solar energy is a promising renewable resource in Egypt, yet its performance is highly influenced by environmental factors such as high temperatures and seasonal variations, particularly in regions like El-Kharga Oasis in the New Valley Governorate. The harsh environmental conditions of El-Kharga, including seasonal variations in temperature and sunlight intensity, can significantly impact the efficiency of photovoltaic modules. This highlights the need for localized studies to evaluate how seasonal changes affect PV performance. A comprehensive 12-month outdoor study was conducted to assess the seasonal performance of mono-crystalline and polycrystalline PV modules under the extreme warm conditions of El-Kharga Oasis. Key parameters such as open circuit voltage, short – circuit current, module temperature, and power output were monitored systematically. The performance ratio of both module types was calculated for each seasonal to evaluate the impact of seasonal changes. The performance of both mono-crystalline and polycrystalline modules showed noticeable seasonal variations. Performance ratios dropped by approximately 24%, respectively, in summer (June) compared to winter (January). Seasonal performance followed the order: winter > spring > autumn > summer. These findings indicate that the lower temperatures in winter enhance PV module efficiency, while the extreme heat in summer reduces performance. Poly crystalline modules, with their superior thermal stability, are more suitable for regions with extreme seasonal variations, particularly high summer temperatures.