IRRADIATION PERFORMANCE ON SOLAR PV PANELS AT POLITEKNIK UNGKU OMAR

Abstract

The performance of photovoltaic (PV) panels is highly dependent on solar irradiation, which varies according to location, time of day, and weather conditions. This study investigates the impact of solar irradiation on PV panel performance specifically at Politeknik Ungku Omar, (PUO) aiming to identify the optimal operating conditions for maximum energy yield. This study utilizes experimental setups across different climatic regions to assess the influences of irradiation on key performance indicators such as voltage, current, and power output. A real-time monitoring system was developed using a custom-built data logger integrated with sensor for measuring solar irradiance as well as voltage and current sensors connected to the PV panels. Data were collected continuously over a four-day period under natural outdoor conditions on PUO. Measurements included solar irradiance (W/m²), voltage (V) and current (A), captured at five-minute intervals between 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. daily. The result of the study shows the sunlight at PUO using optimal panel orientation suitable to produced maximum power output especially at peak hours between 10.00am to 1.00pm. This finding also compared from Universiti Teknologi Petronas (UTP) shown the pattern of power output and irradiation is closely same for both regions which are power output range between 50W to 56W with irradiation approximately 457W/m2.