A SHORT-TERM PERFORMANCE MONITORING AND EVALUATION OF A PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEM AT YABA COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY USING A DATA LOGGER

Authors

  • Dr Olasoji I. Adekoya
    Yaba College of Technology, Yaba – Lagos, Nigeria
  • Dr Solomon A. Olaleru
    Yaba College of Technology, Yaba – Lagos, Nigeria
  • Dr Matthew Solomon
    Yaba College of Technology, Yaba – Lagos, Nigeria
  • Kehinde A. Adewoyin
    Yaba College of Technology, Yaba – Lagos, Nigeria

Keywords:

Photovoltaic systems , Data logger monitoring , Temperature effects , Module efficiency

Abstract

The increasing global demand for sustainable energy has amplified the relevance of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. This study investigates the performance of a 40 W monocrystalline PV module monitored over a four-month period using a UX 120-006M data logger. The system was deployed on a rooftop in the Physical Science Department of Yaba College of technology Lagos, Nigeria, capturing real-time voltage and ambient temperature data at 60-second intervals. Additionally, electrical characterization was conducted using I-V measurements to derive key performance parameters including open-circuit voltage (Voc), short-circuit current (Isc), maximum power point (MPP), fill factor (FF), and overall efficiency. Results reveal a diurnal voltage pattern peaking at midday with values exceeding 22 V and a consistent average between 12–14 V. Ambient temperatures ranged from 26–34 °C, reflecting tropical climatic influence. An inverse correlation between voltage and temperature was observed, attributed to the negative temperature coefficient of silicon-based modules. Electrical testing yielded a maximum power output of 22.46 W at 11.51 V and 1.95 A, with a calculated efficiency of 9.71 %, significantly below the 15–22 % benchmark for monocrystalline modules. The low fill factor (0.48) suggests internal inefficiencies or environmental constraints. This underperformance underscores the importance of real-time monitoring for early fault detection and maintenance planning. Despite suboptimal efficiency, the system remains viable for educational or low-power off-grid applications. The integration of data logger technology presents a robust framework for enhancing PV system reliability and operational insight.

Author Biographies

Dr Olasoji I. Adekoya

Physical Science Department, Chief Lecturer

Dr Solomon A. Olaleru

Physical Science Department, Senior Lecturer

Dr Matthew Solomon

Physical Science, Chief Lecturer

Dimensions

Ahmed, M., Alzahrani, A., Shafie, S. and Rehman, S. (2023). Field performance evaluation of photovoltaic systems under high ambient temperature conditions. Energy Reports, 9, 1532–1545. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.egyr.2023.01.072

Akinyele, D. O. and Rayudu, R. K. (2014). Review of energy storage technologies for sustainable power networks. Sustainable Energy Technologies and Assessments, 8, 74–91.

Azzopardi, B., Mutale, J. and Apap, M. (2013). Monitoring and evaluation of grid-connected photovoltaic systems. Renewable Energy, 50, 160–167.

Bello, A. O., Adedayo, K. B. and Akinwale, O. O. (2024). Long-term outdoor performance assessment of photovoltaic modules in a tropical climate. Renewable Energy, 223, 1195–1206. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.renene.2024.01.038

Chandel, S. S., Aggarwal, R. K. and Agarwal, P. (2021). Performance assessment of a rooftop solar photovoltaic power plant in Northern India. Renewable Energy, 163, 971–983. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.renene.2020.09.020

Chakraborty, S., Bansal, A. and Das, S. (2019). Comprehensive review on solar PV module performance degradation and fault detection. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 101, 1125–1142.

Chouder, A., Silvestre, S. and Karatepe, E. (2013). PV systems fault detection and diagnosis using electrical parameters analysis. Energy Procedia, 36, 700–705.

Fraunhofer ISE (2021). Photovoltaics Report.

Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE (2024). Photovoltaics Report. Fraunhofer ISE.

Gholami, H., Yousefi, H. and Alavi, S. M. (2021). Optimization of solar photovoltaic energy systems. Energy Reports, 7, 3856–3865.

Huld, T., Gottschalg, R., Beyer, H. G. and Topic, M. (2010). Mapping the performance of PV modules, effects of module type and data averaging. Solar Energy, 84(2), 324–338. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.solener.2009.11.005

International Energy Agency (IEA) (2022). World Energy Outlook 2022.

Jordan, D. C., Silverman, T. J., Wohlgemuth, J. H., Kurtz, S. R. and VanSant, K. T. (2022). Photovoltaic degradation rates - An analytical review. Progress in Photovoltaics: Research and Applications, 30(3), 259–274. https://doi.org/10.1002/pip.3453

Komp, R. J. (2022). Practical Photovoltaics: Electricity from Solar Cells (3rd ed.). Aatec Publications.

Liserre, M., Sauter, T. and Hung, J. Y. (2010). Future energy systems: Integrating renewable energy sources into the smart power grid through industrial electronics. IEEE Industrial Electronics Magazine, 4(1), 18–37.

Massi Pavan, A., Mellit, A. and Zegaoui, A. (2019). A machine learning approach for fault diagnosis in photovoltaic systems. Solar Energy, 181, 251–262.

Nespoli, L., Spertino, F. and Corona, F. (2018). Identification of faults in photovoltaic systems: A practical diagnostic approach. Renewable Energy, 123, 121–132.

Petrone, G., Spagnuolo, G. and Vitelli, M. (2017). Power Electronics for Photovoltaic Systems. Springer.

Quaschning, V. (2016). Understanding Renewable Energy Systems (2nd ed.). Earthscan.

Radziemska, E. (2003). The effect of temperature on the power drop in crystalline silicon solar cells. Renewable Energy, 28(1), 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0960-1481(02)00015-0

Sharma, R., Kumar, A. and Singh, B. (2022). Real-time monitoring and fault diagnosis of photovoltaic systems using low-cost sensors. Solar Energy, 234, 420–431. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.solener.2022.01.042

Silva M., Castro, R. and Batalha, M. (2020). Technical and economic optimal solutions for utility-scale solar photovoltaic parks. Electronics, 9(3), Article 400.

Skoplaki, E. and Palyvos, J. A. (2009). On the temperature dependence of photovoltaic module electrical performance: A review of efficiency/power correlations. Solar Energy, 83(5), 614–624.

Soofar, A. M., Hakeem, A., Messaoudi, M., Musznicki, P., Iqbal, A. and Czapp, S. (2022). Solar photovoltaic energy optimization and challenges. Frontiers in Energy Res., 10, Article 879985. https://doi.org/10.3389/fenrg.2022.879985

Spertino, F., Di Leo, P. and Corona, F. (2015). Monitoring photovoltaic plants by a mobile measuring station. Measurement, 62, 236–248.

Tariq, M., Alam, M. S. and Alzahrani, A. (2021). A performance evaluation of monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar photovoltaic panels under harsh environmental conditions. Sustainable Energy Technologies and Assessments, 45, 101175. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seta.2021.101175

Tariq, M., Alam, M. S., and Alzahrani, A. (2023). Performance degradation and thermal losses of photovoltaic modules in hot climatic regions. Sustainable Energy Technologies and Assessments, 56, 102955. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seta.2023.102955

Zhou, W., Yang, H. and Fang, Z. (2011). Performance of grid-connected PV system on typical days and monthly average. Energy Conversion and Management, 52(3), 925–930.

Published

03-01-2026

How to Cite

A SHORT-TERM PERFORMANCE MONITORING AND EVALUATION OF A PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEM AT YABA COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY USING A DATA LOGGER. (2026). FULafia Journal of Science and Technology , 10(1), 60-67. https://doi.org/10.62050/fjst2025.v10n1.653

Issue

Vol. 10 No. 1 (2026): Fulafia Journal of Science and Technology (FJST)

Section

Physical Sciences
Copyright & Licensing

How to Cite

A SHORT-TERM PERFORMANCE MONITORING AND EVALUATION OF A PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEM AT YABA COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY USING A DATA LOGGER. (2026). FULafia Journal of Science and Technology , 10(1), 60-67. https://doi.org/10.62050/fjst2025.v10n1.653

Similar Articles

31-40 of 153

You may also start an advanced similarity search for this article.