Published Paper Details:

The performance of solar photovoltaic (PV) arrays is significantly influenced by climatic conditions including solar irradiance levels, ambient temperature, humidity, wind patterns, and seasonal variations that directly impact energy yield, system efficiency, and long-term degradation rates. This comprehensive study analyzes PV array performance across diverse climate zones including tropical, arid, temperate, and polar regions, examining the complex interactions between environmental parameters and electrical output characteristics. Performance data from over 50 installations worldwide demonstrates that climate-specific factors can cause energy yield variations exceeding 40% between optimal and challenging environments, even for identical system configurations. The analysis reveals that while arid climates provide highest annual irradiance levels, elevated operating temperatures reduce system efficiency by 15-25% compared to cooler environments. Conversely, temperate climates with moderate temperatures often achieve superior performance ratios despite lower irradiance availability. Humidity effects contribute to soiling accumulation and potential-induced degradation, while wind patterns influence thermal management and dust deposition rates. The study identifies optimal design strategies for each climate zone, including temperature coefficient considerations, ventilation requirements, cleaning protocols, and component selection criteria that maximize energy production while ensuring long-term reliability. These findings provide essential guidance for PV system optimization in diverse geographic regions and support accurate energy yield predictions for project development and financing.