A SHORT-TERM PERFORMANCE MONITORING AND EVALUATION OF A PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEM AT YABA COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY USING A DATA LOGGER

The increasing global demand for sustainable energy has amplified the relevance of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. This study investigates the performance of a 40 W monocrystalline PV module monitored over a four-month period using a UX 120-006M data logger. The system was deployed on a rooftop in the Physical Science Department of Yaba College of technology Lagos, Nigeria, capturing real-time voltage and ambient temperature data at 60-second intervals. Additionally, electrical characterization was conducted using I-V measurements to derive key performance parameters including open-circuit voltage (Voc), short-circuit current (Isc), maximum power point (MPP), fill factor (FF), and overall efficiency. Results reveal a diurnal voltage pattern peaking at midday with values exceeding 22 V and a consistent average between 12–14 V. Ambient temperatures ranged from 26–34 °C, reflecting tropical climatic influence. An inverse correlation between voltage and temperature was observed, attributed to the negative temperature coefficient of silicon-based modules. Electrical testing yielded a maximum power output of 22.46 W at 11.51 V and 1.95 A, with a calculated efficiency of 9.71 %, significantly below the 15–22 % benchmark for monocrystalline modules. The low fill factor (0.48) suggests internal inefficiencies or environmental constraints. This underperformance underscores the importance of real-time monitoring for early fault detection and maintenance planning. Despite suboptimal efficiency, the system remains viable for educational or low-power off-grid applications. The integration of data logger technology presents a robust framework for enhancing PV system reliability and operational insight.