Performance Analysis of Multi-Photovoltaic (PV)-Grid Tied Plant in Malaysia

Abstract

Abstract. This paper evaluates and analyzes the performance of three different types of photovoltaic (PV) arrays connected to utility-grid without any storage system in Malaysia. The three types modules include Poly-Crystalline, Mono-Crystalline and Thin-Film modules, each works separately and are connected to three DC/AC inverters where it monitored and controlled over an IP network system. The system installed and monitored for one-year period and this is the first work describing such systems of different PV types at the same plant in the proposed location. The system continuously collects and stores all data sets of DC/AC current, voltage, frequency and power for a 5-minutes period. Besides, the weather parameters that include ambient temperature, module temperature, solar irradiation and wind speed. The performance of this plant is evaluated by analyzing the collected data sets and then applying performance indices such as final energy output, array yield, final yield, reference yield, system efficiency and performance ratio. The results show that the PV performance is depending directly on the solar irradiation as well as the surrounding environmental conditions. Also, the results show a very-good efficiency of the proposed modules and demonstrate the potential of using such systems in any area with the similar conditions.