Analysis of environmental factors on photovoltaic output under different weather conditions

In this study, we analyzed environmental elements and the photovoltaic (PV) output utilizing the power generation data from a PV facility in 2021 and concurrent environmental observation data. The outcomes of the environmental factors analysis reveal that the PV output power and solar irradiance exhibit a similar trend, fluctuating in accordance with solar irradiance. Both demonstrate daily variations with single-peak fluctuations, peaking at midday. Although the variations in PV output power align with environmental temperature and wind speed changes, a notable distinction emerges in June-July. While daily changes in environmental temperature and wind speed also manifest single-peak fluctuations, there exists a time lag between these fluctuations and those in PV output power. Interestingly, the PV output power exhibits an inverse relationship with ambient relative humidity, which follows a "U" type fluctuation pattern. The impact of environmental factors on PV output power underscores that solar irradiance and scattered radiation exert the most significant influence, followed by environmental temperature and average wind speed, both exhibiting positive correlations. Conversely, environmental humidity negatively affects power generation.