Performance Evaluation of a MW-Size Grid-Connected Solar Photovoltaic Plant Considering the Impact of Tilt Angle

This paper presents a study for the estimation of generation from a large-scale, grid-interfaced solar PV plant using the PVsyst software. This study aims to investigate the effect of tilt angle on the performance of the grid-integrated solar PV plant. Two types of tilt angle test plants, i.e., a fixed tilt angle of 30 degrees (1 MW) and two seasonal tilt angles, in summer 13 degrees and in winter 30 degrees (2.5 MW), have been selected at the same location in Bikaner, India. The performance of the proposed test solar power plants, rated at 1 MW (fixed tilt angle) and 2.5 MW (two seasonal tilt angles), is established by comparing the results obtained using the PVsyst software with the practical data of annual solar insolation. It is established that the radiation incident on PV modules will increase by 2.41% if two seasonal tilt angles are considered. Hence, the annual capacity utilization factor (CUF) has increased by 0.26%. Furthermore, it is established that the proposed method's performance is superior compared to the statistical methods reported in the literature.

Automated summary

This paper presents a study using the PVsyst software to estimate the generation of a large-scale, grid-interfaced solar PV plant. The study investigates the impact of tilt angle on the plant's performance. Results show that considering two seasonal tilt angles increases the incident radiation on PV modules by 2.41% and the annual capacity utilization factor (CUF) by 0.26%. Additionally, the proposed method outperforms statistical methods reported in the literature.