James kebaso ,Dr.Gideon Kidegho

ABSTRACT

Meeting energy needs will necessitate exploration of renewable energy technologies and one of such technology is photovoltaic {pv} panels which convert solar irradiance into usable electricity. This research will test the humidity effect on horizontal placement of silicon-based pv panels along coastal region of kenya. To accomplish this, power output of solar pv must be measured in various locations within coastal region of kenya having a broad humidity and temperature ranges for sufficient period of time, this will allow record relationships between environmental factors affecting panel performance. While the efficiency of PV cell is important, the reliability of the cell is also crucial especially the PV cells are subjected to extreme climate conditions and their lifetime has a direct impact in the determination of the price per kW h owing to its low maintenance and operating cost. In this work, the effect of humidity study on PV cells, will show how the moisture can affect the PV cell performance and the underlying mechanisms.

Solar users remain unable to predict the amount of electricity produced from solar pv panel at any given time due to lack of data on effect of humidity on solar pv at respective locations within coastal region of kenya and therefore deeper understanding is needed regarding performance at various locations with a broad range humidity and temperature. This would serve to arm leadership with decision making in solar pv power generation in considering PV related projects within coastal region of kenya.

The end goal in assessing the feasibility of horizontal solar PV silicon-based panel on the effect of humidity is to refine the accuracy of existing ambient humidity dependent performance models that characterize horizontal silicon based pv panels in variety of identified test regions within coastal region of kenya.

Keywords: Renewable energy, humidity effect, solar efficiency, coastal region of Kenya.