Effects of substrates on the efficiency of a monocrystalline solar panel

Solar panels, a crucial technology for renewable energy, convert sunlight into electricity, with monocrystalline panels being widely used due to their cost-effectiveness. This study investigated the effects of different substrates on the efficiency of monocrystalline solar panels. The research analyzed how roofing materials impact solar panel temperature, power output, and efficiency. Conducted in Kampala, Uganda, over six months, five days per week from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm, the experimental setup included six panels placed on iron sheets, roof tiles, concrete, grass, and bare ground soil, each with temperature sensors to monitor temperature variations. Statistical analysis was carried out using the Excel package. The study revealed that substrate choice significantly affects solar panel performance. Ground soil achieved the highest efficiency at 21.1%, followed by grass (19.6%), wood (17.95%), concrete (16.2%), roof tiles (14.3%), and iron sheets (11.5%). The correlation analysis showed a high negative relationship between cell temperature and efficiency, with ground soil exhibiting the least reduction in efficiency per degree rise in temperature. Regression analysis further confirmed that surface temperature explains a significant portion of the efficiency variance, with grass and ground soil showing the highest R-squared values (0.9967 and 0.9014, respectively). The findings suggest that substrates with lower thermal conductivity and higher albedo, like ground soil and grass, enhance solar panel efficiency. The findings affect optimizing solar panel installation and improving solar energy output. Recommendations include selecting cooling substrates for improved solar panel performance and considering local climatic conditions in substrate choice. Future research should explore a wider range of materials and long-term effects to optimize solar energy systems further.