Solar energy paper index
Evaluation of locally available materials as thermal insulators for PV modules
One-line summary
A solar energy research paper on Evaluation of locally available materials as thermal insulators for PV modules.
Engineering notes
Engineering notes will be added by the Power for Solar editorial team.
Chinese explanation / 中文解读
中文解读待补充：本站会优先为光伏效率、钙钛矿太阳能电池、储能技术、太阳能热利用、BIPV、并网技术等高价值论文补充中文说明。
Original abstract
The operating temperature of photovoltaic (PV) modules has a pronounced influence on electrical efficiency and long-term reliability, particularly in tropical regions characterized by high ambient temperatures and intense solar irradiance. This study investigates the suitability of selected locally available agricultural and bio-based materials as backside thermal insulators for PV modules, with the aim of providing a low-cost and sustainable alternative to conventional synthetic insulation. Rice husks, sawdust, banana fiber derived from banana pseudostems, coffee husks, and a clay–straw composite were experimentally evaluated and compared with a polystyrene insulation board and an uninsulated baseline. Outdoor experiments were conducted using seven identical 100 W polycrystalline PV module under open-sky conditions in Kampala, Uganda, with measurements recorded at 15-min intervals between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. over a 3-month period. Thermal conductivity was determined using standardized laboratory methods, while module operating temperature and electrical performance were monitored in situ. The results show that all locally sourced materials reduced module operating temperature relative to the uninsulated case, with rice husks and sawdust achieving the greatest reductions of up to 7–9 °C and corresponding electrical efficiency improvements of up to 5% during peak irradiance periods. One-way ANOVA and Tukey HSD post-hoc analysis confirmed statistically significant differences among insulation materials ( p < 0.001). The findings demonstrate that agricultural waste materials can effectively enhance PV module performance under tropical conditions, offering a cost-effective, environmentally sustainable, and locally adaptable approach to passive thermal management for solar energy systems in developing regions.
Links and sources
Need this topic turned into a technical roadmap?
Power for Solar can prepare a custom solar energy literature review, simulation code map, dataset map, and B2B photovoltaic technology assessment.
Request B2B research
Comments