Experimental assessment of partial shading impact on ADH ISO 15 W solar panel performance in Kampala's urban climate

Despite one of the most significant factors reducing photovoltaic (PV) efficiency is still shade of solar panels, the effects of shading vary widely depending on the type, material, and intensity of shading. This study examined the effects of three typical shading materials on the electrical, thermal, and efficiency parameters of an ADH ISO 15 W solar panel erected in Kansanga, Uganda: paper, cloth, and Ficus umbellata leaf. For three months, measurements of current, voltage, irradiance, ambient temperature, and cell temperature were made at 15-min intervals between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Descriptive statistics, efficiency computation, and ANOVA were used to examine the average data. The highest voltage, current, and power output were produced in unshaded situations, according to the results, demonstrating ideal panel performance under full sun exposure. Because of their increased opacity, paper and cloth produced the worst power losses among all shading options; leaf shading, on the other hand, allowed for partial transmission and produced rather moderate savings. More than 94% of the difference in voltage, current, and power was explained by shade, according to an ANOVA, with the paper exhibiting the highest statistical influence across parameters. The results show that even 25% partial shade significantly reduces energy output and modifies thermal behavior, underscoring the vital necessity of minimizing shading and preserving unobstructed panel surfaces in PV installations. These findings offer useful information for PV system installation, design, and shading mitigation techniques in tropical urban settings.