Experimental Studying of Photovoltaic Modules Soft Shading

Throughout their utilization, photovoltaic (PV) modules can be partially or completely shaded by trees, buildings, and other objects in their vicinity. Consequently, shaded PV modules receive lower solar radiation intensity, thus PV modules performances and output power are reduced. This paper gives the results of an experimental study of the soft shading influence of on the current-voltage and power-voltage characteristics of monocrystalline and polycrystalline PV modules. Power reduction of the monocrystalline PV module due to vertical and horizontal soft shading was in the range of 15% to 18%. Power reduction of the polycrystalline PV module for vertical and horizontal shading was in the range of 27% to 30%.