Solar Energy and Factors Affecting the Efficiency and Performance of Panels in Erbil/Kurdistan

Renewable energy is a natural resource that can replace it- self quickly and reliably. It has many abundant and sustainable sources. It is also environmentally friendly and has given the inhabitants of our planet a great choice! It is the opposite of the energy that we get from using fuel. It differs from the others in that its sources are perpetually renewed they cannot be altered, and utilization levels have no bearing on its supply.

In contrast, the energy generated from fuels such as (oil, coal, and others will have a specific life and be implemented while renewable energy is its source, Renewable energy is described as any form of energy that is swiftly provided by a different cycle, such as solar or wind energy and the vast majority of sources of energy that never run out, as opposed to geothermal and flowing energy, which are ultimately composed of the sun. Some structures do not include sun-dependent energy, such as rain and wind energy, which we consider to be transient solar energy. Yet, the energy accumulates in biomass over months, such as in straw, or for many years, as it does in wood. However, this cannot be obtained from the energy that is environmentally friendly through plants, creatures, and people, which leads to the depletion of resources over time, although non-renewable energy sources do not run out, assuming this is forever. Yet, its continuous use at specific rates will be exhausted in the present or the future. We can use renewable energy sources directly or create more suitable energy forms ‎[1, 2].

Iraq, and especially the Kurdistan region, depends mainly on fossil fuels in all daily activities. Where the impact of this use was negatively reflected on the environment of the region in terms of affecting drinking water, sewage water, or the air system in general, so it became necessary to have radical solutions. The concept of renewable energies was considered an exclusive concept for the production of electric energy in a clean and safer manner. Where solar, wind or water energy can be used in general to produce electric energy in a sustainable manner. The Kurdistan region in general has a strategic location that is bordered by mountain ranges from the north, and it has a mild climate in summer and cold in winter, in addition to being a vital and excellent region for developing sustainable energies. Table 1 presents Kurdistan’s average monthly solar ‎[3].

Table 1. Kurdistan’s average monthly solar ‎[3]

Solar Energy in Kurdistan and the average yearly solar radiation based on the areas where agro-meteorological stations are located. Figure 2 shows that the solar irradiance recorded by all the stations is relatively close except for Shaqlawa also Zakho because these two cities are located on the mountain's south side, and the solar irradiance is relatively low. The loss factor decreases solar radiation. Solar energy is abundant and well-distributed in Kurdistan (see Figure 3, the rate of heat distribution that distinguishes the Kurdistan region from the rest of the regions in the summer), but this enormous energy source has been neglected in the past while people have suffered from a drastic scarcity of energy sources.

This research dealt specifically with the study of solar cells as an alternative energy for the production of electrical energy from the sun. And studying the factors and variables affecting the panels, such as studying the effect of temperature, humidity, dust, wind speed and solar radiation time on the efficiency of electric energy production. In addition to studying the simulation of several variables of the factors of electric energy production on the MATLAB program and clarifying the effect of these variables on the productivity efficiency of solar cells for electric energy.

3.1 Effect of temperature and irradiance variation on PV

The (PV) cells are temperature-sensitive. The dark saturation current increases as the cell temperature rise; additionally, the band gap narrows as less bond energy is required to form electron-hole sets, resulting in a decrease in V_oc‎ [4]. This implies that as cell Temp increases, the PV cell the current (I_SC) increases significantly, as shown in Figure 8. Using Eq. (1) to solve for V_oc, the following equation describes the linear relationship between Tempe and V_oc [5].

$V_{o c}=\frac{n K T}{q} \ln \frac{I_{p h}}{I_0}$             (2)

In Figure 8, used a variety of irradiance and temperature values. There have been 25 simulations with multiple parameter changes. What is visible is the photovoltaic array's typical behavior. The power output increases as the irradiance (the amount of light) increase and decreases as the temperature rises. So there is a trade-off to consider: the lighter that hits the PV panel produces more power, which means more current is produced, which heats the PV panel and reduces its performance. Of course, there is a balance that optimizes all of these parameters and ensures that we are using the maximum amount of power for each amount of irradiance. Also, notice how the voltage at maximum power varies with irradiance.

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Figure 8. The impact of multiple parameters on PV cell performance

3.2 Effect of humidity

In most cities with high humidity, where the average ranges between (401-781%), clouds and land masses absorb or reflect about 30% of the total solar energy that the sun emits. The solar energy that strikes the solar cell experiences energy losses (absorption and reflection), and these losses are in the range of (15-30%) of the energy‎ [6]. Since humidity reduce solar radiation; energy is used by about 5% of solar cells. Only 70% of the total energy is used ‎[7].

This difference appears to be non-linear. This effect will lead to a slight change in the magnitude of the Open circuit voltage (V_OC) and a substantial variance in the short circuit current (I_SC).

The effect of humidity on radiation and ISC is apparent, and this, in turn, will lead to a decrease in performance efficiency according to the following equation:

$\eta=\frac{V O C_{\max }. I S C_{\max }}{A C(\text { irradiance level })}$              (3)

Even though the test was designed to determine, the effect of relative humidity on the performance of three different types of photovoltaic cells: (Silicon) Monocrystalline, Polycrystalline, and Amorphous). The test results show that as relative humidity decreases, the generated current, voltage, and energy all increase, implying that the power efficiency of the solar cell must be high when relative humidity is low; that is, relative humidity reduction generally increases or increases the solar energy efficiency of the cell or photovoltaic system ‎[8, 9].

3.3 Effect of dust accumulation

Sand dust damages solar photovoltaic (PV) applications in arid regions of the world. Particle accumulation on a photovoltaic (PV) module surface reduces illumination because the particles scatter, reflect, and absorb incoming light. Depending on their size, type, density, and length of settling, dust particles cause interference [9]. Particles fall due to gravitational, mechanical, or electrostatic forces (raindrops or an airstream). Once they have gathered, the effects of interface energy, also known as the fluctuating surface electrical field potential, and the forces of gravity and electrostatics confine them. Ariel dust is present in almost all ecosystems, but the type and size of the particles varies according on the region. Some areas have a drier climate that is more severe.

Many Iraqi researchers have investigated the effects of dust storms on the total rate of solar radiation in Kurdistan's cities. A study was conducted on a dust storm that occurred in Iraq, and the effect on the rate of solar radiation was significant. This storm caused a significant decrease in the rate of solar radiation compared to normal rates, resulting in a decrease in the performance efficiency of solar cells ‎[10, 11].

A variety of factors are said to influence dust deposition, including wind speed, electrostatic charges, gravitational forces, and surface moisture ‎[12, 13].

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Figure 9. Dust accumulation modifying variables ‎[14]

Non-uniform dust deposition on the PV cell/module glass cover may result in the formation of layers with varying dust concentrations. The dust thickness and position of these layers vary, resulting in variable light transmission into the PV cell or module.

Figure 9 depicts the factors that influence the assimilation and deposition of dust‎ [14]. Because there are so many things that can cause dust to build up, it is clear that it is hard to control and understand how dust builds up.

3.4 Wind effect

Wind energy is a globally successful alternative energy generation method, but wind velocity has an impact on the performance of PV systems. Indirectly, the sun is also responsible for wind energy and its effect on the efficiency of PV performance ‎[15]. Because wind has a varying effect on photovoltaic cells, PV modules and systems are exposed to environmental influences, particularly wind, throughout the day.

The amount of effort required to force the wind can cause significant structural damage to the photovoltaic panel. If the wind speed is reduced by a maximum of 20%, the value of the structural costs of solar cells is found to fall by approximately 20%. Reduced wind speed, on the other hand, will have an effect on the performance of the system and should be carefully considered. Limiting airflow, as previously stated, may limit panel cooling, lowering photovoltaic cell performance.

Wind can irritate sand and dust in the air, causing it to settle and accumulate on photovoltaic cell surfaces. As a result, the overall effect lowers performance efficiency [16, 17]. Heat transfer is related to the direct or indirect effect of wind on.

3.5 Measurement of solar radiation over time

Weather has a great influence on the solar radiation value, so it is necessary to carry out statistical analysis and calculate by means of average or characteristic value. Installing it vertically with the sunrays and calculating the readings for every hour in a row, we start the measurement at exactly eight in the morning and continue until five in the evening. On 3/15/2022, the weather will be moderate, but on 3/25/2022, the weather will be uneven as there will be some clouds and intermittent periods in the morning that affect the values of solar radiation.

On the day of May 10–4, 2022, due to the weather being clear and no clouds scattering solar radiation, the value of solar radiation rises. The impact of solar radiation on the solar cell Because of the presence of clouds and intermittent rainfall on April 20, 2022, the value of solar radiation will vary.

To study the factors affecting a solar panel, solar radiation with time is measured, and then MATLAB is implemented.

5.1 The results of measuring solar radiation with time

Table 2 also Figure 11 shows the values of solar radiation falling on a solar panel at different times. A solar radiation intensity meter (SM 206 SOLAR POWER METER) has been utilized. The intensity of solar radiation had measured on 15/3/2022.The amount of solar radiation measured at eight a.m. back then was (148 W/m²⁾, while the intensity of solar radiation was (153 W/m²) on 20/3/2022 at the same time, and solar radiation continues to increase to reach more people. Its maximum value is in the afternoon when the radiation intensity is (543 W/m²), but on 20/3/2022, it will be around one o'clock in the afternoon when the solar radiation intensity is (620 W/m²). Then it begins to gradually decrease to reach the intensity of solar radiation to about (184 Watts/m²) at five o'clock in the evening. On 20/3/2022, while the strength of the solar radiation reaches about (170 Watts/m²) at five o'clock in the evening, the decrease in the value of the solar radiation continues. Until the intensity of solar radiation becomes zero at sunset for both. The explanation behind the variance in solar radiation values for both days is that the Earth is on an elliptical path and because the angle of the sun with the Earth is constantly changing, the value of the incident solar radiation will vary daily with a different angle of the sun‎‎ [20].

Figure 12 depicts the results of theoretical models supported by practical data for the global radiation on the horizontal plane of the hybrid solar collector under clear sky conditions. Therefore, can be seen that the theoretical calculation of solar irradiation on an inclined surface and the experimental data agree perfectly.

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Figure 11. The change of solar radiation with time for the day (2022)

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Figure 12. Monthly solar irradiance estimation utilizing the Liu and Jordan model

5.2 The result of the factors affecting the efficiency of the solar cell

5.2.1 Numerical simulation for the effect of dust on the PV panel

Firstly, we need a fitting equation of the solar irradiation to implement it in the Simulink model. It was collected as a sample on March 20, 2022. Two terms of the Fourier series have been taken as a fitting equation:

$\begin{gathered}\mathrm{I}_{\mathrm{r}}=\mathrm{a}_0+\mathrm{a}_1 \cos (\omega t)+\mathrm{b}_1 \sin (\omega t)+\mathrm{a}_2 \cos (2 \omega t)+ \mathrm{b}_2 \sin (2 \omega t)\end{gathered}$                 (9)

The following coefficients have been found

The negative value for b₂ means that the second harmonic component (2ωt) of the waveform has a phase shift of π radians or 180 degrees with respect to the reference cosine wave. This means that when the reference cosine wave is at its maximum, the second harmonic sinusoidal wave will be at its minimum, and vice versa. The negative value for a₂ means that the amplitude of the second harmonic component (2ωt) of the waveform is equal to the amplitude of the reference cosine wave, but with a phase shift of π radians or 180 degrees. This means that when the reference cosine wave is at its maximum, the second harmonic cosine wave will be at its minimum, and vice versa. Alternatively, one could say that the second harmonic component has been inverted or flipped about the horizontal axis. a negative value for a₂ means that this component has been inverted or flipped about the horizontal axis. Physically, this could represent a system or signal in which certain frequency components are attenuated or inverted relative to others, resulting in a waveform with a complex and perhaps non-sinusoidal shape. For example, this could occur in a nonlinear electrical circuit. negative value for b₂ means that this component is shifted in phase by π radians or 180 degrees relative to the reference cosine wave. Physically, this could represent a system or signal in which certain frequency components have a different phase relationship than others, resulting in a waveform with a complex and perhaps non-sinusoidal shape. For example, this could occur in a system with multiple modes of vibration or resonance. The correlation coefficient between the data and the analytical function is 0.9955.

Figure 13 Solar irradiance fitted with Eq. (9) exhibits the experimental data as well as the fitting curve.

The following Simulink model (Figure 14) calculates the effect of dust accumulation utilizing Eq. (9). We suspected a build-up of linear dust on the PV panel.

The voltage versus time curves for the dusty and reference (PV) panels are shown in (Figure 15) to assess the electrical performance of the dusty (PV) panel in comparison to the reference (PV) panel. It has already been determined that for a dust collection rate of 0.01, the average loss in output voltage relative to the reference PV panel is around 14%. The dusty PV panel was found to have a lower total wattage potential than the reference PV panel.

As a result of the findings from (Figure 15), it has been observed that there is a reduction in the unit's voltage and output power. When dust particles accumulate on the solar cell's surface, it will lead to a decrease in its output energy, depending on the accumulated dust masses and their type.

Through the above experiments, we note that the cleaner the solar cell is, the higher the efficiency of its performance. Conversely, the greater the amount of dust deposited on it, the lower its performance.

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Figure 13. Solar irradiance fitted with Eq. (9)

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Figure 14. The MATLAB Simulink model for analysis of different dust accumulation speeds on PV pane. L

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Figure 15. Dusty & reference PV panel contours

5.2.2 The results of performance efficiency when the amount of dust is low

For the case where the dust density on the solar cell surface was low and the weather was clear, a MATLAB Simulink was advanced.

From Figure 16, we see that the experimental and theoretical calculations of the effectiveness of the solar cell will decrease by less than when the cell is clean, because of dust particle deposition and adhesion to the solar cell surface. Therefore, the permeability of the glass surface of the cell will also decrease, which will result in a decline in both efficiency and capacity, and this is consistent with previous studies in this matter.

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Figure 16. Experimental and theoretical of the cell efficiency with time when the amount of dust is low

5.2.3 The results of performance efficiency when the dust density is high

Figure 17 demonstrates how both experimental and theoretical efficiency has decreased dramatically, nearly to their value when the solar cell is clean (i.e., the amount of dust is zero). The reason for this is that the dust density has increased. As a result, the transmittance decreases resulting in the solar cell blocking some of the incoming solar radiation. The greater the dust density, the lower the transmittance of the glass to the passage of sunlight, and this was mentioned in previous studies as well. The principle of curve continuity, also known as the law of curve change, is a fundamental mathematical concept that asserts that a smooth curve should have a gradual change in direction without any sudden breaks or changes. This principle is widely used in calculus and other mathematical disciplines to describe and analyze the behavior of curves and functions. Moreover, in computer graphics and modeling, creating visually appealing and realistic shapes often requires the use of smooth and continuous curves, making the principle of curve continuity a vital component in these fields. Practically speaking, the principle also suggests that when two or more curves intersect, they should do so smoothly and without sudden changes in direction, ensuring that the resulting shape is visually pleasing and behaves predictably.

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Figure 17. The change of experimental and theoretical cell efficiency with time when the amount of dust is high (MATLAB)

If the amount of dust increases and covers the entire surface of the cell in a very high amount, then the efficiency of the cell does not exceed 1%, which is the lowest value, because the high amount of dust prevents the transmittance of radiation completely. After all, the dust formed on the cell surface will scatter and reflect solar radiation.

Through the above experiments, we note that the cleaner the solar cell is, the higher the efficiency of its performance. Conversely, the greater the amount of dust deposited on it, the lower its performance for it.

5.2.4 The results when the weather is overcast, and the surface of the solar cell is immersed

From Figure 18, we find that the greatest value for efficiency and capacity when the surface of the panels is immersed in rainwater is (5.26%), (27.89wattst), and the lowest value is (3.88%), (27.4wattstt).

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Figure 18. Experimental and theoretical change of cell efficiency with time due to rainy and cloudy weather

Through the above, we note that the greatest efficiency of the solar panel in cloudy weather is when its surface is dry, as it is greater than the maximum value of the efficiency of the same cell when its surface is flooded with rainwater. The reason for this is that rainwater is impure because it contains impurities or atmospheric plankton, which causes them to be deposited on the cell's surface and thus block a large part of the solar rays. As for the lowest value for efficiency, we find that it is for the dry solar panel as well. The reason for this is the difference in the density of the clouds present, as it is greater for a solar cell with a dry surface compared to a cell with a dry surface. The surface is flooded with water, so the decrease in solar radiation will be greater as the intensity increases. It will prevent the majority of solar radiation from trying to reach the solar cell.

5.2.5 Partial shading effects

The neighboring towering buildings and weather circumstances such as stormy weather and shifting clouds produce partial shadowing. It was discovered that an unshaded module ‎[21] produced more energy than a shaded module. Due to its cascade connection, the current traveling through various modules inside a module is the same. This results in darkened cells carrying more power than their short-circuit ratings allow. This creates a voltage with the appropriate polarity on the shaded cells. Consequently, there is an overall decrease in system voltage. These cells reduce the system's power loss and function as though a new load has been introduced. The current in a cascaded connection of cells cannot exceed the current through the cell with the highest amount of shading, and the power loss in shaded cells has a detrimental impact on neighboring cells. The loss of power in darkened cells leads to the establishment of hotspots, leading to the failure of the complete PV array.

Figure 19: Visible on the PV and VI curves of the cascaded solar panels is the variation of voltage and power caused by shading or varying solar radiation availability.

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Figure 19. PV and VI curves as a result of partial shading