Earth’s magnetic field affecting PV panel performance
Researchers in Kenya say the geomagnetic field could reduce solar panel conversion efficiency 0.21% between the equator and a 50-degree latitude. Their analysis showed the complex magnetic field can determine increases in module fill factor and falls in maximum power.
Researchers at the Multimedia University of Kenya have claimed the Earth's magnetic field affects solar panel performance in the same manner fields from power lines, transformers and other electrical equipment can.
The Kenyan group analyzed the performance of a multicrystalline solar panel influenced by a static magnetic field they calculated was the equivalent of the 'geomagnetic field' which protects Earth from the solar wind of cosmic particles from the sun.
The scientists observed their static magnetic field prompted considerable variation in the panel's voltage and current parameters, fill factor, maximum power and conversion efficiency. The changes were produced by the 'Hall effect', which determines voltage differences across an electrical conductor. Hall voltage, said the scientists, affects carrier mobility through magnetoresistance, which in turn leads to an increase in cell resistance in the presence of a magnetic field.
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