The Impact of Air Mass on the Performance of a Monocrystalline Silicon Solar Module in Kakamega
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Date
2019-03
Authors
Musanga, Ligavo Margdaline
Maxwell, Mageto
Barasa, Wafula Henry
Kombe, Emmanuel Yeri
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Physical Science International Journal
Abstract
This paper investigates the outdoor performance of a 20 W monocrystalline silicon solar module in
relation to air mass (AM) in Kakamega. Direct measurement of air mass and module output
parameters from experimental setup was done in Kakamega at a location 0.28270 N and 34.7519
E. Experimental results showed a decrease in ISC and VOC with increasing AM. The maximum
output power produced by the module reduced with an increase in AM. Maximum power was
therefore seen to be produced at noon in this region. VOC increased from 19.47 to 20.04 then
decreased to 19.49 V while ISC increased from 0.36 to 1.19 then decreased to 0.48A. It was
observed that both the FF and of a monocrystalline solar module increase with increase in air
mass. The module performed better during the afternoon than morning and evening hours with the
peak performance observed close to AM 1.
Description
Article
Keywords
Solar module; air mass; outdoor performance; renewable energy; peak performance.
Citation
Musanga, L. M., Maxwell, M., Barasa, W. H., & Kombe, E. Y. (2019). The Impact of Air Mass on the Performance of a Monocrystalline Silicon Solar Module in Kakamega. Physical Science International Journal, 21(2), 1-7.