PERFORMANCE MONITORING OF WATER COOLED SOLAR PANEL USING MICROCONTROLLER

Solar panels, or photovoltaic (PV) cells, generate electricity from sunlight, but their performance decreases as they get hotter. A major portion of solar energy absorbed by these cells is converted into heat, which negatively affects their electrical efficiency. This project addresses the thermal management of PV panels through the use of an automated water cooling system. The system activates when the panel temperature exceeds 25°C, spraying water to lower the temperature and maintain optimal operating conditions. It also includes a real-time temperature monitoring mechanism. To evaluate its effectiveness, tests were conducted comparing the power output of a PV panel with and without the cooling feature. A solar cell with a rated peak power of 5.0 watts was employed, along with supporting electronics for the cooling function. The outcome of the project demonstrated the potential of such a cooling technique to enhance the overall efficiency of solar energy conversion