*2.4. Experimental Setup*

MATLAB/Simulink modeling and experimentation utilize a commercially available 5 W PV module, as shown in Table 1.


**Table 1.** PV module specifications (Manf. Universal solar: 5 W, poly-crystalline).

For performance validation, an experimental setup is established with 6 × 6 size PV array configurations with the assistance of an embedded-based data acquisition system (DAS) for logging real-time electrical parameters. The performance characterization in terms of I-V and P-V curves is performed for extensive performance analysis in different realistic shading scenarios. The above experimental setup comprises mainly four sections such as (a) PV system (6 × 6 size), arranged in SP, SDK and I-SDK configurations; (b) variable resistive load (Rheostat: 800 Ω, 6 A); (c) self-developed DAS. The developed experimental setup is shown in Figure 8.

Using the AT-mega microcontroller (8051), a self-designed data logger is utilized, which includes analog voltage and current sensors for electrical data investigation. Realistic electrical performance parameters in terms of voltage and current are stored in a micro-SD card. These recorded data are used for I-V and P-V characterization and rigorous investigation of performance parameters. Figure 9 also depicts the working of the constructed data logger. The code has processes for measuring electrical characteristics that have been fine-tuned based on an assessment and data gathering that use a simple algorithm.

**Figure 8.** Developed experimental setup for comprehensive study during PSCs.

**Figure 9.** Flow chart for data logger operation.
