EPJ Photovoltaics 16, 17 (2025)
https://doi.org/10.1051/epjpv/2025005

Original Article

Quantifying the effect of shadow formation on photovoltaic sources under thin object shading: an image analysis approach

Institute for Sustainable Energy, University of Malta, MSD 2080 Msida, Malta

^* e-mail: marija.demicoli@um.edu.mt

Received: 26 June 2024
Accepted: 16 January 2025
Published online: 24 February 2025

Abstract

This study aims to quantify the size and intensity of umbra and penumbra shadows on photovoltaic (PV) modules and assess the resulting potential power loss using image analysis techniques. An innovative algorithm, developed from open-source code, was employed to analyze shadow characteristics, alongside outdoor experiments to measure the raw power loss caused by thin objects shading the PV module. Spearman correlation analysis revealed a weak negative correlation between power loss and object distance, which strengthens with increased object thickness. For larger objects between the range of 10 and 16 mm, the raw power loss is predominantly influenced by umbra intensity, while smaller thin objects in the range between 2.8 and 8 mm are affected more by the intensity of the penumbra shadow. Moreover, beyond a distance of 225 cm, for object thicknesses up to 16mm, umbra shadows disappear, leaving only penumbra, which continues to cause power loss, though at a lower intensity. The study's key findings indicate that thicker objects generate stronger umbra shadows, correlating more significantly with power loss, while thinner objects create diffuse penumbra shadows with a reduced impact. Penumbra size and intensity play a critical role, as larger penumbras correspond to a slower reduction in power loss over distance. Shadow intensity, particularly for thicker objects, proves to be a more decisive factor in the raw power loss output than shadow size, as the increase in shadow size compensates for the loss in intensity. The image analysis techniques developed in this work provide an effective method for objectively quantifying the size and intensity of umbra and penumbra shadows, highlighting the importance of shadow dynamics.