1 Renewable Thermal Energy Laboratory (LETRE), Department of Physics, University Joseph KI–ZERBO, Ouagadougou & University Daniel OUEZZIN COULIBALY, Dédougou, Burkina Faso.
2 Department of Natural Sciences, Ecole Normale Supérieure of Burundi, Bujumbura, Burundi.
3 Renewable Thermal Energy Laboratory (LETRE), Department of Physics, University Joseph KI–ZERBO, Ouagadougou & University Centre of KAYA, Kaya, Burkina Faso.
4 Laboratory of Physics and Chemistry of the Environment (LPCE), Department of Physics, University, Joseph KI–ZERBO, Ouagadougou.
5 Laboratory of Applied Hydrology, National Institute of Water, University of Abomey–Calavi, Calavi, Benin.
World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 2026, 29(01), 814-823
Article DOI: 10.30574/wjarr.2026.29.1.0095
Received on 05 December 2025; revised on 12 January 2026; accepted on 14 January 2026
This study provides a comparative assessment of the performance of monocrystalline silicon(mono-Si), polycrystalline silicon (poly-Si), and thin-film amorphous silicon (a-Si) photovoltaic modules under Burkina Faso’s distinct climatic zones. Using long-term satellite derived irradiation and temperature data from 1994 to 2015, system conversion efficiency, energy yield, and performance ratio are evaluated across semi-arid, arid, humid subhumid, and dry subhumid regions. Results indicate that mono-Si modules achieve the highest energy output in all zones (up to 425.9 kWh.m2 in arid regions), followed by poly-Si and thin-film modules. However, thin-film technologies exhibit superior performance ratios (up to 0.96), indicating better tolerance to high temperatures. The findings highlight the trade-off between efficiency and environmental resilience, offering data-driven recommendations for PV technology selection in hot and dusty climates of West Africa. This research contributes to optimizing solar energy deployment in regions with high solar potential but challenging environmental conditions.
Monocrystalline silicon PV technologies; Polycrystalline silicon PV technologies; Thin-film a–Si PV technologies; Efficiency; Performance Ratio; Climatic regions; Burkina Faso
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Serge Dimitri BAZYOMO, Célestin MANIRAKIZA, Alfred BAYALA, Abdoulaye OUEDRAOGO and Emmanuel LAWIN. Comparative efficiency assessment of polycrystalline, monocrystalline, and thin-film photovoltaic technologies under Burkina Faso’s climatic conditions. World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 2026, 29(01), 814-823. Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.30574/wjarr.2026.29.1.0095.
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