Factors Affecting the Efficiency of Solar Harnessing Systems: A Brief Review

Energy from sun is the ultimate energy source on earth as all other energy sources are derived directly or indirectly from solar energy. Lately harnessing of solar energy in the form of electricity through photovoltaic (solar) cells have become commercially viable and is now in reach of common man. These photovoltaic cells are comprised of inorganic as well as organic solar cells. Significant efforts are being made to enhance the efficiency of solar cells, but efficiency of solar harnessing systems is not limited to the quality of photovoltaic cells, it also depends on quantity as well as quantity of the solar insolation received on earth surface. This paper explores the impact of factors like altitude, relief, quality of air, vegetation cover and cloud cover etc., in determination of net insolation received at any geographical location that is available to be harnessed by panels of photovoltaic cells for generating electricity. Further, a mathematical analysis exploring into the effects of dust accumulation and consequent rise in panel temperature and its limiting effect on the working of solar power plants (SPP) has also been presented and discussed.