PV array power output maximization under partial shading using new shifted PV array arrangements

Partial shading can dramatically reduce the power output of a PV array as well as complicate operation by causing multiple peaks to appear in the power-voltage (P-V) characteristic curve. The extent of these problems depends not only on the shading area but also and much more significantly on the shading pattern. In this paper three new physical PV array arrangements are proposed to mitigate partial shading effects. The arrangements are based on...