The Effects of Partial Shading and Dust on the Performance of solar cells

Abstract

In this work the effects of partial shading and dust on the performance of single, series and parallel-connected solar cells has been studied. The measurements have been taken in the Energy Researches Council, Soba, Khartoum. The current and voltage of the two solar cells have been measured from each cell and also, when the cells are connected in series and in parallel. From the results it is concluded that both shading and dust reduce the current. It appears that when a solar cell is partially shaded or covered with dust, it becomes equivalent to a resistor which consumes the energy generated by its neighboring cell. The loss of power could justify the application of self-cleaning coating.