A novel shade analysis technique for solar photovoltaic systems

Abstract: Solar power is a rapidly growing energy source. As efficiency increases and costs decrease, solar photovoltaic (PV) systems are becoming increasingly attractive for small and medium scale consumers to invest in. Despite advancements in photovoltaic technology, minor shading will still drastically reduce the performance of a solar cell module. Therefore, shade analysis should be performed before installation in order to assess the financial viability of an investment as well as to optimize the location and orientation of a photovoltaic module. The process of accurate shade analysis however, is something that is currently only carried out by professionals using expensive equipment. This bachelor’s thesis aims to develop the concept of a smartphone based shade analysis technique, which by using MATLAB’s predefined image processing should produce a shading diagram together with data ready for use as input in PV simulation software. The results should be comparable to those of professional shading analysis products. As a result, the concept of a shading analysis technique based on panoramic image capturing using a smartphone and MATLAB image processing has been shown to work. The final analysis technique uses a smartphone captured panoramic image as input and provides two forms of output: A shading diagram for easy and quick overview, providing information about which obstacles may cause shading at a specific time of day and year An excel file that can be used as input in the PV simulation software System Advisor Model (SAM)