Performance Measurement of Rooftop Photovoltaic System on Solar Food Truck: Analysis of Solar Irradiance and Electrical Output

¹ Universitas Negeri Jakarta, Department of Mechanical Engineering Education, 13220 East Jakarta, Indonesia
² Universitas Sultan Ageng Tirtayasa, Department of Mechanical Engineering Vocational Education, 42117 Serang City, Indonesia
³ Universitas Sarjanawiyata Tamansiswa, Department of Mechanical Engineering Vocational Education, 55167 Yogyakarta, Indonesia
⁴ Universitas Sultan Ageng Tirtayasa, Department of Electrical Engineering Vocational Education, 42117 Serang City, Indonesia
⁵ Islamic University in Uganda, Department of Curriculum and Instructional (Instructional Technology), 20040 Mbale, Uganda

^* Corresponding author: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Published online: 2 July 2026

Abstract

With the growth of the use of renewable energy in mobile business sectors, the need for a better understanding of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems is increasing. However, PV concepts are often taught using the theory and static electrical diagrams, and it is difficult to visualize energy conversion and interaction between components. In this study, a prototype of a food truck based on a solar cell was developed as a concept model of a photovoltaic power generation system (PLTS), and its technical performance was evaluated. The research followed an engineering design and testing methodology, including conceptual design, component integration, fabrication, and performance evaluation. The prototype consisted of solar panel, solar charge controller, battery, inverter, battery indicator, AC and DC loads and electrical control systems. Data collection consisted of measurements of the solar panel output, tests of the battery charging, load endurance and energy distribution. Descriptive analysis was used to compare theoretical calculations with operational performance. Results shows that the solar panel was at its peak performance at 12:00 where it produces 19.68 V, 1.22 A and 24 W. Differences between theoretical and real endurance were shown by battery testing, due to losses of energy, inverter efficiency and conditions of the battery. The prototype was successfully demonstrated in converting the solar radiation into electrical energy by means of an integrated operational system.