Output Power and Voltage-Time Characteristics of Mono-Crystalline Photovoltaic Panel at Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Alabata, Ogun State, Nigeria Under FUNAAB Weather

Abstract

Solar energy is gaining more attention than ever before due to its potential ability to provide the world energy needed at a sufficient and reliable rate. Putting more focus on its optimum harvesting and utilization can eventually solve the problem of energy shortage by balancing up the energy demand of the nation. Adequate information on the output voltage of the solar panel to cope with the output current during the daytime is essential to be able to predict accurately the estimated amount of energy that can be tapped from the solar panel. This study carried out investigation on the output power and voltage-time characteristics of mono-crystalline photovoltaic panels at Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB); a location at the outskirt of Abeokuta, Ogun State, in South West Nigeria weather condition. The collectors consist of six 80 W (480 W) sunshine solar panels made in Germany, 40 W digital charge controller, two of 200 AH (400AH) solar batteries and stop watch. The output voltages of the solar panels were read and recorded for a period of 21 days between 6:30 am to 7:30 pm for each day. The average maximum output power of the solar panels for the period of the 21 days was evaluated from the maximum output current and voltage. The output voltage of the solar panel was zero at 6:00 am and 7: 30 pm. As at 7:00 am the output voltage was 12.1 Volts close to the peak voltage. The average output voltage gradually increased to the peak voltage of 14.7 Volts at 1:00 pm then maintained on this voltage till 3:30pm after which it continued dropping back to zero at 7: 30 pm. The average maximum output power obtained from the panels for the 21 days was 323 W. The results of the study show that the output voltage of solar panel varies from time to time, day to day and change with weather condition of the location.