SHADING EFFECT IN PHOTOVOLTAICS MODULES

Abstract

This paper discusses the effects caused in microgeneration systems due to shading of photovoltaic modules. Although photovoltaic systems are an alternative for power generation, one should take into consideration the next to install structures. The structures around photovoltaic modules cause shadow regions that may affect its operation. The way solar cells are interconnected, provides the malfunction of a considerable part of the photovoltaic modules, thus reducing the power generated by the system, under the shade of a few cells. Through an electronic circuit that varies the load applied to the photovoltaic module, and collecting data as voltage and electric current, the characteristic curves of photovoltaic modules under different levels of shading are drawn. These curves are used in the comparison between the different levels and verification of the effects caused by shading. Finally, the paper proposes the use of bypass diodes as a possible solution for installations where the effects caused by shading are eminent.