Climatic Influences on Photovoltaic Panel Performance: A Case Study of Yomou Prefecture, Republic of Guinea

Abstract

Despite its rich hydrological and rainfall potential, Yomou prefecture is one of the most energy- lagging cities in the forest region. This is why people choose to use solar panels as an energy source. Although the use of these panels is considered as a solution to the energy problems in Yomou, it is clear that climatic factors (such as: solar radiation, temperature, humidity and precipitation) have a negative impact on the performance of the installed panels. The data used in this study were collected from the Meteonorm 8.2 site database for a period from January to December 2024 in Yomou prefecture. The data were processed and analyzed using PVsyst 8.0.5 software. The aim of this work is to study the impact of climatic factors on the performance of photovoltaic energy production in order to identify the causes of solar energy production losses in this locality. Statistical analysis tools are used to assess annual and seasonal trends in climate variables. Use graphs to illustrate the variation and correlation between these factors and photovoltaic performance. The results show that the solar potential is high, especially during the dry season (January to April and November), providing optimal conditions for solar production. However, the rainy season (June to September) reduces the efficiency of photovoltaic panels due to increased diffuse radiation. To maximize energy production, technologies such as bifacial panels or solar tracking systems are recommended. It is also important to manage the tilt of the panels and take into account changes in light index (Kt) and seasonal temperature. The integration of storage solutions and the adaptation of the system to local conditions will ensure continuous energy production throughout the year. The relative humidity in the locality is on average 70%, peaking during the wet season (May to October) and decreasing during the dry season (November to April). These seasonal changes can affect the performance of photovoltaic panels, highlighting the importance of having systems adapted to local climatic conditions.