Ensuring sustainability of PV systems for a given climate region in South Africa

Abstract

A number of software simulation packages for alternative energy systems exist which may be used to determine PV system installation parameters (e.g. tilt and orientation angles) and operating limits (e.g. maximum drain current per day). However, climate change has contributed to a series of variations in weather patterns, resulting in either prolonged rain periods or lengthy heat waves. Both these variable climatic conditions exert a negative influence on the sustainability of PV systems, resulting either in system downtime or system lifetime reduction. This paper aims to contrast the results of a specific software package (RETScreen) for PV systems to experimental results obtained for a given climatic region in South Africa. The results indicate that the RETScreen software package's results should be seen as a guide in the design and installation of sustainable PV systems.

Impact of Module Degradation on the Viability of On-Grid Photovoltaic Systems in Mediterranean Climate: The Case of Shymkent Airport

“…In arid regions, dust is the main problem for PVSS. Gathered dust of 20 g/m 2 on the PVSS reduces short circuit current, open-circuit voltage, and efficiency by 15-21%, 2-6%, and 15-35%, respectively (Swart et al 2013).…”

Impact of module degradation on the viability of on-grid photovoltaic systems in Mediterranean climate: case of Shymkent Airport

“…Because of the advantages of PVSS, an increasing number of air terminals over the world have introduced sun-based powered frameworks (Swart, Schoeman, and Pienaar 2013). Furthermore, the world's rst absolutely sun -based controlled airport is the Indian Cochin International Airport.…”

Varying percentages of full uniform shading of a PV module in a controlled environment yields linear power reduction

“…The conventional solar PV panels have a conversion efficiency of only 5-17% [6]. Interrupting direct beam radiation lowers the output voltage of a PV module significantly, influencing the amount of output power available for driving an alternative energy system, which may lead to system downtime or even component failure over a period of time [7]. This interruption is usually due to cloud movement or shading of the PV module by natural or man-made causes.…”