Energy Performance Analysis of On-Grid Solar Photovoltaic System- a Practical Case Study

Abstract

This research paper presents an experimental investigation for performance evaluation and energy efficiency estimation of a specific grid connected PV power system under real meteorological conditions. The basic installation and data of 10 MW Oryx photovoltaic plant (OPVP) installed in Ma'an, Jordan is introduced. The main objective of this research is to show and examine the obtained results and build a good database for Ma'an in particular and Jordan in general. In addition, promote the use of solar photovoltaic plants as a clean and cheap alternative energy source, whether on-grid or standalone. This approach relies on a genuine atmosphere conditions including, correspondence system and meteorological station. The weather data are obtained from three different weather stations in Ma'an, Jordan to compare and insure the accurate estimation. Last year, OPVP supplied the national electric power company in Jordan with 24.157 GWh. This integration was considered satisfactory during this period, where the annual energy efficiency of the OPVP was 12.1% and the average annual value of the performance ratio was 78.14%, and the average annual capacity factor was 26.34%. By comparing the results with the actual values, it is ascertained that the proposed approach has the superiority over estimating the energy efficiency and performance of PV plants. Moreover, the outcomes obtained can be utilized as rules for the use of solar PV power plants in Jordan and other comparative climatic nations.