Impact of urban density on PV efficiency and battery degradation: a comparative assessment
Sumit Kumar Maitra1, Kadasi Sadanandam2, Vankadara Sampath Kumar3, Himabindu T4, GV Swathi5, Nagaraju Budidha6, BV Sai Thrinath7 and Dessalegn Bitew Aegeegn8
Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering,JNTUH University College of Engineering, Manthani-505212,Telangana,India2
Department of Electrical Engineering,National Institute of Technology, Aizwal-796012,Mizoram,India3
Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering,Birla Institute of Technology and Science -Pilani Hyderabad Campus, Jawahar Nagar, Kapra Mandal, Medchal-500078,Telangana,India4
Department of Electrical and Electronics,ACE Engineering College, Hyderabad-501301,Telangana,India5
Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering,Vaagdevi College of Engineering, Warangal-506005,Telangana,India6
Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering,School of Engineering, Mohan Babu University, Tirupati-517102,Andhra Pradesh,India7
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering,Debre Markos University,Debre Markos-269,Ethiopia8
Corresponding Author : Dessalegn Bitew Aegeegn
Recieved : 20-February-2025; Revised : 25-November-2025; Accepted : 26-November-2025
Abstract
Solar energy generation is significantly influenced by environmental factors such as solar irradiance, temperature, and wind velocity, all of which vary across different urban settings. Understanding these variations is essential for optimizing the performance of photovoltaic (PV) battery storage systems in cities. This study examines the effects of solar irradiance, temperature, and wind velocity on PV performance in three Ethiopian cities with varying urban densities. A mixed-methods approach was employed over six months, with data collected from PV systems installed on different building types in high-density City A, medium-density City B, and low-density City C. Key parameters—solar irradiance, temperature, battery charge/discharge cycles, and energy consumption—were continuously monitored, and statistical analyses, including multivariate regression, were performed using SPSS v13.0. City A recorded the highest irradiance (527 W/m²) and temperature (41 °C) but exhibited the lowest PV efficiency (15.2%) and the highest energy consumption (25 kWh/day), resulting in 18.6% storage losses and the fastest degradation rate (6.8% per year, ~3-year lifespan). City B showed balanced demand (22 kWh/day), higher efficiency (16.1%), lower losses (15.1%), and the slowest degradation (5.9% per year, ~3.3 years). City C achieved the highest efficiency (16.5%), stable consumption (20 kWh/day), the lowest state-of-charge variability (±4.5%), and the best net utilization (83.6%). Seasonal analysis revealed reduced efficiency but higher degradation during the dry season, whereas the rainy season improved round-trip battery efficiency to 94%. A strong positive correlation was observed between solar irradiance and short-circuit current (R² = 0.88–0.92). Wind velocity had minimal impact on PV performance, while higher ambient temperatures were associated with reduced energy output. Overall, optimizing PV–battery systems depends heavily on local environmental factors—particularly solar irradiance, temperature variations, and urban heat island effects. Tailored strategies based on urban density are therefore necessary to enhance PV efficiency and energy storage management in urban environments.
Keywords
Solar irradiance, Photovoltaic efficiency, Urban density, Battery storage performance, Environmental factors, PV degradation rate.
Cite this article
Maitra SK, Sadanandam K, Kumar VS, T H, Swathi G, Budidha N, Thrinath BS, Aegeegn DB. Impact of urban density on PV efficiency and battery degradation: a comparative assessment. International Journal of Advanced Technology and Engineering Exploration. 2025;12(132):1686-1699. DOI : 10.19101/IJATEE.2025.121220264