Effect of Ambient Temperature and Relative Humidity on Solar PV System Performance: A Case Study of Quaid-e-Azam Solar Park, Pakistan

Abstract

This study synthesizes the output performance of solar PV system under variable conditions. Solar PV output depends upon the weather conditions which varies with time. This research has been carried out by observing the effects of the ambient temperature and the relative humidity, since for module efficiency of solar PV panel heavily depends upon the on these parameters. The primary data has been collected at different intervals of time at Quaid-e-Azam Solar Park located at Bahawalpur, Punjab, Pakistan. The statistical analysis has been carried out for correlation coefficient (R) for ambient temperature and relative humidity as 83% and 64% respectively, considering a confidence level of 90%. It is concluded that there exists a positive linear relationship of module efficiency with ambient temperature, whereas, an ordinary positive linear relationship with relative humidity. This conclusion provides an insight to the solar PV designers and the manufacturers in order to select appropriate modules for the selected areas in accordance with solar irradiation, humidity, and temperature level