The power output of photovoltaic systems is considerably affected by complete or partial shading of the modules in an array and it depends on the type of configuration, module position, and shading scenario. In this paper, the effect of uniform and non-uniform shading scenarios on the output of solar photovoltaic modules of different interconnection schemes has been investigated. In order to determine the characteristics curves of a photovoltaic system, experiments have been conducted on a given array size under different shaded conditions. Further, random shading patterns have been artificially generated using meshes of different transmissivity. The impact of bypass diode on the power output of a photovoltaic system has also been observed. Finally, the performance of different module configurations is analyzed and the most efficient configuration under uniform insolation and partial shading conditions have been identified. The results found under the present experimental study have a guiding significance for photovoltaic system design and operation under the influence of partial shading. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.