Correlation Analysis of Environmental Parameters and Photovoltaic Module Performance in a Tropical Savannah Climate
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.35895/jpsi.2.2.100-117.2026Keywords:
solar energy conversion, cell temperature, solar irradiance, relative humidity, tropical savanna climateAbstract
This study investigates relationships between key environmental parameters and the performance of three commercially available polycrystalline photovoltaic (PV) modules operating under tropical savannah conditions in Afaka, Kaduna, Nigeria. A 151-day field experiment evaluated how cell temperature (CT), ambient temperature (AT), relative humidity (RH), and global solar radiation influenced module electrical behaviour. Environmental and electrical data collected under identical outdoor conditions were analysed using correlation and regression techniques. CT and AT showed a strong positive relationship (R² = 0.8583), identifying ambient temperature as a major driver of the module temperature. AT and RH showed a strong negative relationship (R² = 0.8772), while CT and RH exhibited a moderate negative relationship (R² = 0.6549). Global solar radiation ranged from 18 to 29 MJ m⁻² day⁻¹, contributing to module output variations. Open-circuit voltage depended weakly on solar radiation, whereas short-circuit current increased with radiation despite relatively low coefficients of determination attributable to environmental variability. Comparative analysis revealed distinct electrical responses among modules under identical climatic conditions. These findings demonstrate that temperature-related environmental factors play a dominant role in photovoltaic performance and should inform PV system selection, performance prediction, and deployment in tropical climates.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Adeyemi Joshua Owolabi, Ige Olumide, Idris Mohammed, Rabiu A Tafida, Awujoola J Olalekan (Author)
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