Behavioural Pattern of Solar Filter Enhanced Photovoltaics in Mangrove Swamp

Abstract

Not all wavelengths incident on a solar cell enhances the efficiency of the cell. Some wavelengths only cause electrons to twist and vibrate in their bonds which heats up the cell and inevitably hinder its efficiency. To tackle this problem, solar cells need to be exposed to distinct wavelengths of light so as to ascertain those wavelengths that adversely affect its efficiency. This study is aimed at experimentally investigating the effect of solar power and solar flux on photovoltaic (PV) modules enhanced with solar filters. The objective includes to ascertain which filter triggered higher power and efficiency from PV modules. In achieving the objectives, color filters were employed for wavelength selection, an intelligent photovoltaic maximum power point tracker was employed to determine the maximum voltage, current and efficiency of the PV module at a particular level of solar power and solar flux, while solar power and solar flux meters were employed to track the amount of the transmitted solar power and solar flux reaching the surface of the PV module. The experimental measurements were conducted in outdoor real-time conditions with varying levels of solar power and solar flux. The results revealed points of voltage increase and points of voltage stability, and also revealed filters that attained voltage stability with relatively lower levels of solar power (400 W/m2 for orange and blue filter) and solar flux (45 Klx for lemon filter). The results also reveal the module attaining a higher efficiency under the red filter as solar flux increases. In terms of solar power, the red filter and the natural spectrum led in power generation, but the natural spectrum triggered a higher efficiency from the module as solar power increases. This study proved that the nature and wavelength of the radiation reaching a photovoltaic module influences its behavior and efficiency.