Performance Analysis and Comparative Study of a 467.2 kWp Grid-Interactive SPV System: A Case Study

Abstract

This paper demonstrates the investigation of the acquired outcomes from consistent information observing a 467.2 kWp solar photovoltaic (SPV) framework commissioned on the roofs of three separate high-rise buildings, which are located at the location of 26.9585° N and 80.9992° E. Onside real-time performance for this system was investigated for three years, 2018–2020; this system contains 1460 SPV panels of 320 Wp each, having 20 PV panels per string, 09 DC/AC power conditioning units (PCU), and a SCADA (supervisory control and data acquisition) system for monitoring the other necessary parts of a grid-interactive SPV system. The outcomes of the different buildings are compared with each other to analyze the power output at the same input conditions. Hardware components of the plants with approximately the same ratings (P2 ~ 108.8 kWp + P3 ~ 128 kWp) are compared (with P1 ~ 230.4 kWp). Simulation modeling of the year 2020 in PVsyst tool for generated energy, Performance Ratio (PR), and Capacity Utilization Factor (CUF) are carried out additionally and compared with the installed rooftop grid-interactive SPV system of 467.2 kWp (~P1 + P2 + P3) at the site. Numerous performance parameters such as array efficiency, inverter efficiency, system efficiency, Performance Ratio (PR), and Capacity Utilization Factor (CUF) of the plant are evaluated and compared with already installed systems in different regions of the world. These points demonstrate great feedback to framework architects, workers, designers, and energy suppliers regarding the genuine limit and plausibility of the framework they can offer to clients. Moreover, one of the environmental benefits of the SPV plant is that the 467.2 kWp PV framework reduces the tremendous measure of CO2, SO2, and NOX that is discharged into the air.