Impact of partial shading on various PV array configurations and different modeling approaches: A comprehensive review

Since the last decade, partial shading conditions (PSCs) and its adverse influences on photovoltaic (PV) system performance have received due attention. It motivates researchers to explore methods to diminish/disperse the shading effects and/or novel PV array configurations to sustain under PSCs. To diminish the effects of PSCs, this article presents a comprehensive review of various PV array configuration models for PV systems and metaheuristic approaches for shade dispersion effectively. Different PV array modeling approaches are identified, emphasizing their benefits, inadequacies and categorized according to vital features such as shade dispersion and improved performance in terms of efficiency; fill factor (FF), and maxima power, minimized power losses (PL) primarily. Besides these various PV array configurations such as hybrid, reconfigured, mathematical/game puzzle based advanced configurations are uniquely discussed with the existing configurations. In the current scenario, the metaheuristic algorithms are explored and widely accepted by researchers due to the less wire length requirement for PV array reconfiguration. This article discusses and deliberates recent developments in methods of solar PV performance enhancement that deserves further study. Overall, the present study is helpful for academicians and researchers in the committed solar power installation area.