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Investigation into the effects of the earth’s magnetic field on the conversion efficiency of solar cells

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  • Ndeto, Martin Paul
  • Wekesa, David Wafula
  • Kinyua, Robert
  • Njoka, Francis

Abstract

Solar PV technology is rarely used as a major source of power in most developing countries. This is partly attributable to the poor conversion efficiency which is less than 30% and high initial installation costs. This study investigates the variation of polycrystalline silicon (pc-Si) PV module parameters when subjected to a static magnetic field equivalent to the earth’s magnetic field. The magnitude of the magnetic field B is varied from 0 mT to 0.08 mT. An experimental probe on the variance of the pc-Si solar cell parameters when subjected to B showed that short circuit current (ISC) and current at maximum power point (IMPP) decreased noticeably while open circuit voltage (VOC) and voltage at maximum power point (VMPP) decreased slightly as a result of an increase in B. This led to a considerable decrease in the fill factor (FF) values and the maximum power (PMPP) which consequently led to a 0.21% decrease in the conversion efficiency (η) between the Equator, 0°, and the latitude 50° N/S. The findings revealed an increased module’s active area per kilo-watt of 0.08 m2/kW of electric power generated translating to installation cost increment of 1.31% due to decreased efficiency.

Suggested Citation

  • Ndeto, Martin Paul & Wekesa, David Wafula & Kinyua, Robert & Njoka, Francis, 2020. "Investigation into the effects of the earth’s magnetic field on the conversion efficiency of solar cells," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 159(C), pages 184-194.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:renene:v:159:y:2020:i:c:p:184-194
    DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2020.05.143
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ndeto, Martin Paul & Wekesa, David Wafula & Njoka, Francis & Kinyua, Robert, 2023. "Aeolian dust distribution, elemental concentration, characteristics and its effects on the conversion efficiency of crystalline silicon solar cells," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 208(C), pages 481-491.

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