Analysis of shading effects on a photovoltaic array

In this paper, we analyze the performance of a photovoltaic array under shading faults. Actually, the solar power generation systems use the photovoltaic (PV) effect to transform solar energy into electrical energy. The performance of a (PV) array is affected by temperature, solar irradiance, shading, and array configuration. In this study and in order to optimize the performance of a PV system, it must at first, aim the recognition of faults that may affect the efficiency of the PV system. Furthermore, it proposes a global analysis of the I-V characteristic of the PV module. Subsequently the array curves measured were validated with a photovoltaic array model developed in MATLAB-Simulink, elaborated to study and validate the I-V characteristics of a PV module under a non uniform change due to especially the external solar irradiance. The model used for the simulations of normal and faulty conditions has been experimentally validated.