Experimental investigation of photovoltaic panel surface temperatures and electricity production in summer

Abstract

Due to the efficiency drops in solar panels at temperatures above 25°C, various panel surface temperature reduction studies are ongoing. In this field, panel passive cooling methods can be seen as the latest technology in that they do not require additional electricity. It is extremely important to know the surface temperatures of photovoltaic panels regionally and seasonally to choose the appropriate melting/freezing points for phase change materials. Within the scope of this study, instantaneous panel surface temperatures in August were evaluated to present the panel temperature value of the summer months in Bingöl. Along with panel surface temperature values, instantaneous voltage, current, power, and efficiency results were also evaluated. According to the temperature measurement results made with thermocouples, the average and local maximum temperature on the front surface of the panel was 55℃, and 65℃ respectively. On the other hand, according to the thermal camera measurement, it was understood that there was no homogeneous temperature distribution throughout the panel and the temperature value increased to 85℃ in some local areas. It has been understood that this temperature value is far from the panel operating conditions, therefore it is essential to cool the panels with appropriate phase change materials.