Analysis of the energy conversion efficiency of photovoltaic panels installed on reflective and opaque surface

Abstract

This paper analyzes the energy conversion efficiency of photovoltaic systems installed on surfaces with different albedo and emissivity indexes. Two sets (A and B) were set up, where, in Set A, a photovoltaic system was installed on galvanized steel roof and, in set B, a photovoltaic system was installed on the same roof, which was coated with reflective paint composed by hollow ceramic microspheres. Temperature data (roof surfaces and solar panel), voltage, current and electricity generation of the two photovoltaic systems were monitored. The results showed that panels installed on the roof coated with reflective paint have better energy conversion efficiency, producing about 2.56 % more electricity than photovoltaic panels installed on uncoated roof.