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Abstract

Solar energy applications are always attracting the scientific community all over the world for offsetting fossil-fuel based energy. One of the popular way is to utilize photovoltaic (PV) modules for harnessing solar energy. The power yields from solar panels are badly affected by temperature increase during outdoor operations. Therefore, the methods to maintain temperatures as low as possible are widely being investigated. In this research work, a number of techniques has been investigated for two traditional PV modules; one is polycrystalline silicon (Poly-Si) and the other monocrystalline silicon (Mono-Si). An experimental setup has been developed and installed on the roof-top of an academic building in our university. For measuring different parameters to evaluate power output and temperatures, a data logging device was designed and fabricated using a ESP 32 microprocessor and different sensors (current, voltage and temperature). A number of experimental runs in outdoor conditions was carried out on mostly sunny days. The power output of the Mono-Si module (50W) for the water cooling method reaches its maximum with a value of 48W at lower module temperatures (~30 °C) and an efficiency of 17.8 percent. Efficiency of the Mono-Si and Poly-Si modules are found to degrade at a rate of 0.04-0.11 and 0.05-0.13%/°C, respectively.