Photovoltaic Array Optimization Under Partial Shading Conditions

Photovoltaic arrays under real-world conditions often experience partial shading from clouds, vegetation or structural elements. This uneven irradiation causes mismatch losses between modules, leading to multiple local maximum power points and reduced overall energy yield. To address these challenges, researchers have developed advanced modelling tools to predict the performance of series–parallel, total-cross-tied and hybrid topologies under static and dynamic shading patterns. Structural innovations—such as spiral, L-shape and puzzle-inspired layouts—aim to disperse shading uniformly across the module surface, thereby flattening current disparities and mitigating hotspot formation. Concurrently, meta-heuristic optimisation algorithms, encompassing evolutionary, swarm-based and collective intelligence strategies, enable real-time reconfiguration of electrical interconnections to track the global maximum power point. These approaches combine to enhance fill factor, minimise mismatches and improve resilience in large-scale installations. The global significance of these developments lies in their ability to boost the reliability and profitability of solar installations in diverse climates, supporting the rapid expansion of renewable energy and sustainable development goals.

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Photovoltaic Array Optimization Under Partial Shading Conditions publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in photovoltaic array optimization under partial shading conditions across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Partial shading conditions (PSC): Uneven illumination on subsets of a PV array that leads to mismatched current generation.

Global maximum power point (GMPP): The operating point of a PV array at which the maximum possible power is extracted under given conditions.

Local maximum power point (LMPP): Suboptimal power points that arise due to mismatch and create multiple peaks in the power–voltage characteristic.

PV array reconfiguration: Dynamic rearrangement of electrical interconnections among modules to disperse shading effects and maximise output.

Mismatch losses: Power reductions caused by disparities in current or voltage among shaded and unshaded modules.

References

1. Optimal PV array reconfiguration under partial shading condition through dynamic leader based collective intelligence. Protection and Control of Modern Power Systems (2023).
2. A Robust Strategy Based on Marine Predators Algorithm for Large Scale Photovoltaic Array Reconfiguration to Mitigate the Partial Shading Effect on the Performance of PV System. IEEE Access (2020).
3. A New Ken-Ken Puzzle Pattern Based Reconfiguration Technique for Maximum Power Extraction in Partial Shaded Solar PV Array. IEEE Access (2021).
4. Evaluation of Mathematical Model to Characterize the Performance of Conventional and Hybrid PV Array Topologies under Static and Dynamic Shading Patterns. Energies (2020).
5. L-Shape Propagated Array Configuration With Dynamic Reconfiguration Algorithm for Enhancing Energy Conversion Rate of Partial Shaded Photovoltaic Systems. IEEE Access (2021).
6. Power Enhancement in Partial Shaded Photovoltaic System Using Spiral Pattern Array Configuration Scheme. IEEE Access (2021).