Assessing the Impact of Extreme Weather Conditions on Solar Module Performance: A Comprehensive Hardware Evaluation

Photovoltaic (PV) cells are becoming a significant source of electricity production as more and more energy systems worldwide integrate them. As the number of PV installations continues to grow, it is vital to understand the impact of environmental factors on solar module performance. Factors such as extreme heat, high humidity levels, and wildfire smoke significantly affect the efficiency and performance of solar modules. However, there is a shortage of research connecting extreme weather conditions to overall solar module performance, making it difficult to take well-informed decisions. This paper addresses the need for continuous monitoring of solar systems under various extreme weather conditions to evaluate their performance and optimize energy output. This was achieved by conducting a hardware experiment to test solar cell performance in various extreme weather scenarios, including heat, smoke, humidity, and the combined impact of these weather events. The results indicate noticeable decline in solar module efficiency with increased environmental factors.