The environmental factors affecting solar photovoltaic output

Abstract

The global expansion of solar photovoltaics (PV) is central to the global energy transition. As governments aim to triple renewable energy capacity by 2030, solar PV is poised for rapid growth, particularly outside mid-latitude regions (China, Europe, US) where uptake has been highest. These new growth areas have diverse environmental conditions, where factors like higher temperatures and aerosol concentrations strongly impact solar power production. A comprehensive review of these effects therefore aids PV performance and siting optimization. This review examines six key influences: solar irradiance, ambient temperature, atmospheric conditions, terrain effects, extreme weather events, and long-term irradiance changes. First, solar irradiance has strong geographic and temporal variability, making it the most significant factor. Second, raising module temperature reduces efficiency by 0.4–0.5 % per degree Celsius, limiting productivity in hotter climates. Third, atmospheric conditions (clouds, aerosols, pollutants, and dust) can reduce electricity output by up to 60 %, especially in desert regions. Fourth, terrain factors like albedo and snow present mixed effects, with increased reflection boosting output but snow obstructing panels. Fifth, extreme weather like wildfires and hailstorms cause substantial damage, while solar eclipses lead to large but short-lived output losses. Finally, long-term changes in solar irradiance, driven by climate change and air pollutants, present future challenges for maintaining PV efficiency. Optimizing PV systems for diverse climates and mitigating environmental impacts on productivity is important to the continued success of solar photovoltaics. This review highlights the need for tailored strategies to maintain performance in varied and evolving environmental contexts.