Effect of flat reflectors on the performance of photovoltaic modules

To convert solar energy directly into electrical energy, photovoltaic modules are widely being used. Different techniques such as retrofitting of reflectors and concentrators are adopted to increase the amount of radiation flux falling on the module and the output of the module thereby increases. The present work investigates the effect of flat reflecting materials such as flat mirrors, shinny aluminum and white tiles on the performance of a PV module. The performance was compared with an identical module without such a reflector; both were studied under the same environmental conditions. It was found that the performance depends on the sky condition and has no advantage on a rainy or cloudy day. The reflector fitted module output based on maximum power point showed a significant increase, and there was also an increase in temperature of the module.