Performance analysis of a grid-connected photovoltaic plant in eastern Turkey

Photovoltaic market is a globally growing market, and this also reflects the current trend in Turkey. In this study, a grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) power plant of 2130.7 kWp rated power located in the eastern part of Turkey was analysed. The photovoltaic plant was assessed in terms of performance parameters such as reference yield, array yield, final yield, inverter efficiency, capture loss, system loss, system efficiency, capacity factor, performance ratio and annual final yield. In 2017, 3519.98 MWh of energy was generated by this PV plant. Mean final yield, mean performance ratio, system efficiency and capacity factor were found as 4.53 h/d, 81.15%, 13.18% and 18.86%, respectively. Besides the real-time analysis, a simulation of energy prediction and performance analysis were also done. A comparison with other PV plants located in different parts of the world lead to the conclusion that insolation and environmental conditions are the primary factors that affect PV plant performance.