Comparative efficiency assessment of polycrystalline, monocrystalline, and thin-film photovoltaic technologies under Burkina Faso’s climatic conditions

This study provides a comparative assessment of the performance of monocrystalline silicon(mono-Si), polycrystalline silicon (poly-Si), and thin-film amorphous silicon (a-Si) photovoltaic modules under Burkina Faso’s distinct climatic zones. Using long-term satellite derived irradiation and temperature data from 1994 to 2015, system conversion efficiency, energy yield, and performance ratio are evaluated across semi-arid, arid, humid subhumid, and dry subhumid regions. Results indicate that mono-Si modules achieve the highest energy output in all zones (up to 425.9 kWh.m2 in arid regions), followed by poly-Si and thin-film modules. However, thin-film technologies exhibit superior performance ratios (up to 0.96), indicating better tolerance to high temperatures. The findings highlight the trade-off between efficiency and environmental resilience, offering data-driven recommendations for PV technology selection in hot and dusty climates of West Africa. This research contributes to optimizing solar energy deployment in regions with high solar potential but challenging environmental conditions.