Shading phenomena on PV panels halt energy production to a great extent. Thus, an accurate, flexible, and yet simple PV system model is essential in shading effect assessment.
This paper presents a Proteus-based model for a standalone PV system using the more accurate two-diode model to assess the shading effect.
Two-diode model parameters for a selected PV module were extracted to simulate the characteristics of PV panels accurately, especially at low irradiance levels.
The simulated PV panel results were compared with the corresponding manufacturer data to ensure model accuracy.
A complete Standalone PV system was modeled via Proteus software featuring a three-by-three series-parallel PV panel, DC-DC converter driven by incremental conductance maximum power point tracking technique, and a DC load.
The model was tested and was able to plot accurately system characteristics and track the maximum power point correctly.
Finally, short and narrow shadow pattern scenarios on the current-voltage (I–V) and power-voltage (P–V) characteristics are analyzed.
The proposed Proteus model proved to be accurate, simple, and fast in analyzing shading scenarios and more flexible to deal with changing conditions such as changing irradiance levels, tracking algorithms, and other factors.