Abstract
Solar photovoltaic (PV) technology is rapidly expanding as a key renewable energy source. Understanding the long-term performance of various PV technologies under real-world conditions is essential. Since Edmond Becquerel’s demonstration of the photovoltaic effect in 1839, solar PV has progressed significantly. Performance is influenced by temperature, wind, irradiance, shading, and panel orientation, with elevated cell temperatures potentially decreasing performance by 8-15%. This study analyzes polycrystalline, monocrystalline, and amorphous (thin-film) PV panels’ responses to changing solar irradiance and temperature using sensors monitored by microcontrollers. Preliminary findings indicate each panel type has unique performance traits: polycrystalline panels are cost-effective and stable under direct sunlight but less efficient in low-light; monocrystalline panels are highly efficient, especially in low-light, but degrade at high temperatures; and amorphous panels, though less efficient, are resilient under varying light and moderate temperature changes. These insights aim to optimize solar energy generation and inform future solar panel design and deployment strategies.