Veritatis Gaudium: Multidisciplinary Journal of Postgraduate Studies

This study examines how cell temperature (CT), ambient temperature (AT), relative humidity (RH) and global solar radiation influence the performance of three polycrystalline PV modules (Samples A, B and C) under the same outdoor conditions at Afaka, Kaduna. Global radiation data obtained from NiMet ranged from 18–29 MJ m⁻² day⁻¹, with weekly averages of 21–27 MJ m⁻² day⁻¹, reflecting Harmattan-driven seasonal transitions. CT rose from 26 °C in the morning to 45–52 °C at midday, while RH declined from 24% to 10%, demonstrating strong thermal humidity dynamics. Isc increased linearly with radiation, with slopes of 0.0698, 0.0453 and 0.0593 for Samples A, B and C, respectively, whereas Voc decreased with rising CT. Correlation analysis showed a moderate CT–AT relationship (R² = 0.442) and a weak AT–RH relationship (R² = 0.0818), confirming temperature as the dominant environmental driver. Sample A produced the highest Isc, Sample C the highest Voc but strong thermal sensitivity, and Sample B underperformed. Comparisons with international hot climate studies show Afaka’s thermal stress levels align with those in Rajasthan, Oman, the UAE, Morocco, Brazil and Australia. Overall, Afaka offers strong solar potential but imposes significant thermal loading that reduces voltage and efficiency, providing valuable long-term, multi parameter data for global PV performance research.

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