Influence of humidity on the performance of floating photovoltaic systems over ponds in a tropical urban environment

Abstract

Floating solar photovoltaics (FPV) are increasingly favored for solar energy harnessing, necessitating a thorough grasp of performance-influencing factors, notably weather conditions. This study delves into the statistical scrutiny of humidity’s impact on FPV performance within tropical settings, focusing on Jakarta’s urban context. While humidity’s effect on solar cell performance, particularly voltage output, is acknowledged, its influence in urban pond settings remains underexplored. Thus, an experiment was conducted, placing a floating PV system over a 24 m2 pond to directly assess humidity’s impact. Additionally, ambient temperature and irradiance levels were analyzed to comprehensively understand their interconnected effects on system efficiency. Moreover, the study investigated airflow’s role in humidity variation and overall environmental dynamics. The experimental setup comprised two strategically positioned solar panels over a 1.5-meter-deep pond. Regression and analysis of variance (ANOVA) techniques were employed to scrutinize humidity’s impact on the FPV system. Results revealed an inverse relationship between humidity and voltage, with humidity also contributing to ambient temperature reduction, thereby enhancing the microclimate. These findings underscore the intricate interplay of factors, where humidity, driven by evaporation, negatively influences irradiance levels while indirectly benefiting PV cell temperature by lowering ambient temperature. This research provides crucial insights for optimizing FPV performance in tropical urban settings, emphasizing the importance of nuanced approaches that account for humidity’s impact on floating photovoltaic systems.