Impact of Partial Shading on Efficiency and Power Output of PV Systems in Arid Climatic Regions

Photovoltaic (PV) systems are pivotal in sustainable energy production, particularly for off-grid solutions in remote and rural areas. Despite their potential, the efficiency and reliability of PV systems are significantly compromised in arid regions due to partial shading from environmental and artificial sources. This study presents a comprehensive performance analysis of PV systems under partial shading conditions, focusing on the North-Eastern geographical zone of Nigeria. Through both experimental investigation and computational simulations, we quantify the impact of shading on energy yield and identify critical factors influencing PV performance under extreme shading scenarios. The findings provide a framework for optimizing PV system configurations to mitigate shading effects, enhancing their efficiency and sustainability in arid environments. This research contributes to the development of adaptive strategies for PV installations in regions prone to variable shading, ultimately supporting more robust renewable energy infrastructures.