Impact of Natural Oils on Solar Panels Efficiency

Abstract

This research aims to study the effect of natural oils on the performance of the solar cells after coating the front surface of the cell with a thin layer of oil. Three types of natural oils were used; sesame oil, wheat germ oil and almond oil. The experimental setup consists of solar panel, an artificial sun, and a measuring system (voltmeter and ammeter) to measure the performance of the panel. First, the background results of current and voltage readings without applying oils to the cell were recorded in tables and graphs using Origin graphing program. From the graphs, the maximum current and voltage were set. Also the value of open circuit voltage and short circuit current were set. Then by applying the equations of solar cell, the value of the maximum power and hence the efficiency of the cell were calculated. The same steps were repeated after applying oils, each one separately. The obtained results showed a reduction in the efficiency of the panel except for the wheat germ oil; the efficiency increased compared to the background efficiency.