There are three important parameters in solar photovoltaic (PV) panel performance, namely maximum output power, short-circuit current, and open-circuit voltage. All these parameters are affected by temperature fluctuations. This research is focused on the behaviour of a mono-crystalline solar PV panel under different temperatures using experimental work and the results are validated with a corresponding simulation using Matlab/Simulink software. The experimental and simulation results show that the electrical parameters change with a variation in temperature. When the temperature rises, the maximum output power and the open-circuit voltage decrease while the short-circuit current increases. Typically, when the surface temperature of the solar PV panel increases, the efficiency of the solar PV panel reduces.

With increased electrical energy demands projected in the future, the development of a hybrid solar photovoltaic (PV)–battery energy storage system is considered a good option. However, since such systems are normally installed outdoors and in open areas, they are vulnerable to lightning strikes and may suffer from malfunctions or significant damage to sensitive components, which may result in a major breakdown and loss of revenue due to equipment replacement costs and inefficient operation. Thus, the objective of this paper is to investigate the effect of lightning-induced overvoltage on a hybrid solar PV–battery energy storage system, considering indirect lightning strikes nearby the system. The presented hybrid solar PV–battery energy storage system and lightning-induced overvoltage are modeled in Electro-Magnetic Transient Program-Restructured Version (EMTP-RV) software. The lightning-induced overvoltage is simulated based on a lightning waveshape of 10/350 µs using the Heidler expression, whilst the Rusck model is used to simulate the lightning-induced overvoltage. Different lightning current amplitudes (3, 19, and 169 kA), lightning strike locations (20, 50, and 100 m), and cable lengths (5, 10, and 20 m) are used to investigate the induced effects on the system and on the impulse withstand voltage of 6kV, as stated in MS IEC 60664-1 for solar PV–battery systems and inverters at the DC side. The results indicate that as the lightning strike distance increases from 20 to 100 m, the percentage of strikes exceeding the impulse withstand voltage reduces from 67% to 54% at 19 kA. At 169 kA, the impulse withstand voltage is exceeded by more than 100%, regardless of the strike distance (from 20 to 100 m). Furthermore, differences in cable length do not have much impact on the lightning-induced overvoltage due to the small voltage drop across the short cable length. This study provides useful information for PV systems owners and will be useful in assigning appropriate lightning protection schemes for PV farms.

This paper discusses the lightning-induced voltage effect on a hybrid solar photovoltaic (PV)-battery energy storage system with the presence of surge protection devices (SPD). Solar PV functions by utilizing solar energy, in generating electricity, to supply to the customer. To ensure its consistency, battery energy storage is introduced to cater to the energy demand. For the countries located at the Equator, lightning has always become a major issue for the system to operate at maximum efficiency, due to its nature of installation in open space areas where the equipment may suffer serious damage that may stop the operation abruptly. To minimize the possible damages, insulation coordination on the lightning protection system is needed. Hence, three case studies, i.e., lightning current amplitude, lightning strike distance, and cable length are presented in this paper, which the quantified analysis is taking into account, to identify the performance of the system with the single installation of SPD Class II at DC and AC sides. The simulation results have contributed towards a better understanding of the importance of SPDs, and the need to properly coordinate according to the standard, taking into account the quantified information obtained from this work, hence providing the necessity of proper installation of SPD will provide better maintenance and prolong the lifespan of the equipment.

The development of large-scale photovoltaic (PV) plants in Malaysia is on the rise since Malaysia is typically tropical and also has high potential for generating electricity. The climate in Malaysia is always humid and hot over a year, hence this paper the influence of temperature variations on a poly-crystalline solar panel is studied. It is very useful to understand the influence of temperature on solar panel output performance in order to predict panel performance under various temperature conditions. This study was founded on experimental results by setting up 50 W polycrystalline silicon panels under various temperatures. It was determined that the short circuit current, I _sc gradually increased with marginal changes, while the open circuit voltage, V _oc decreased linearly when the temperature increased. Due to this effect the maximum power output, P _max as well as its efficiency was linearly reduced once the temperature increased. All the results are considered and discussed accordingly.

Lightning events are one of the factors that affect performance of a solar power system either by direct or indirect strikes. When lightning strikes directly to a panel, it can affect function and life cycle of the panel. Therefore, considering the electrical performance characteristics such as open-circuit voltage, short-circuit current, and maximum power of the solar panels under high voltage conditions is an important issue. In this paper, the effect of impulse voltage on the change of electrical behaviour of a polycrystalline solar panel is studied. The experimental platform is tested by a lightning impulse generated over a range of 100 kV to 300 kV. The results revealed that as the lightning impulse voltage is increased, the maximum power output gradually decreases. The performance of percentage difference from normal between 100 kV to 300 kV increased to 10.02 % for the maximum power output and the graph showed an increasing non-linear trend. After testing with lightning impulse voltages, the electrical performance of the solar panel under different thermal conditions (temperature) was evaluated in the range of 25 °C to 70 °C and the results are discussed accordingly. When the different temperatures were applied, efficiency of the polycrystalline panel continuously degraded. The percentage difference of the maximum power between samples of 100 kV to 300 kV at 70 °C increased from 2.09 % to 7.11 %.