THE EFFECTS OF SOLAR PANEL TEMPERATURE ON THE POWER OUTPUT EFFICIENCY IN CALABAR, NIGERIA

Background: The current push for adoption of alternative energy sources necessitates research into parameters that would enhance the optimum harvest of the benefits of such efforts. Purpose: To determine the effects of solar panel temperature on its efficiency in Calabar, Nigeria, by determining the output current and voltage changes due to solar panel temperature. Materials and Methods: A modern digital thermometer, Model 220k type, and Alda ADV 890C digital multimeter, were used to obtain measurements of solar panel temperatures, current and voltage, respectively, in Calabar, Nigeria. Comparisons were made of the values of current and voltage obtained with solar panel temperature changes, and efficiency of the output of the solar panels determined by calculation using efficiency as given by Kachhava (2003). Results: Results indicate that a maximum output current of 18.4 x 10⁻¹A was recorded at 42.8°C. Beyond this temperature, the output current dropped down to 12 x 10⁻¹A at 54.8°C. The voltage output remained relatively stable as solar panel temperature increased. Power output efficiency dropped from 82.3% at 42.8°C to 52.4% at 54.8°C. Conclusion: High solar panel temperatures may have adverse effects on solar panel efficiency. The result obtained in this study suggests a maximum operating temperature of solar panel in Calabar, Nigeria.