Comparative Analysis of Current-Voltage Characteristics of Photovoltaic (PV) Systems in Selected Climatic Regions in Cross River State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigated the effect of solar radiation’s intensity and ambient temperature on the current-voltage (I-V) characteristics of monocrystalline and polycrystalline photovoltaic (PV) systems in the generation of electricity in Calabar and Okuku, Cross River State, Nigeria. Appropriate measuring devices were employed to record daily readings of these parameters at the study locations, from July to August 2022. The data were collected and results graphically analyzed and calculated. The results indicate that current (Isc), voltage (Voc) as well as the maximum power (Pmax) of both module types increased positively with increase in solar radiation and ambient temperature. Results from collected and computed data also show average daily readings across the locations for solar radiation ranging between 271Wm-2 and 409Wm-2 and ambient temperature between 320C and 370C. The calculated Pmax ranges between 49W and 63W from the 130W solar modules used for the investigation. Another notable result is that the polycrystalline module exhibits higher Pmax than the monocrystalline module in both locations. In spite of the low solar radiation and ambient temperature obtained during this study period, which is considered the worst climatic period of the year (July and August), it is desirable and recommendable to employ solar modules as an alternative power generation in Calabar and Okuku, Cross River State, Nigeria.