Possibility of electricity generation using PV solar plants in Serbia

The paper focuses on the possibilities of generating electrical energy by means of PV solar plants of 1 MW in Serbia. Further on basic physical characteristics of solar cells made of monocryistalline silicon, CdTe and CIS solar cells and a description of the fixed PV solar plants, one-axis and dual-axis tracking PV solar plants are given. The paper proceeds to tackle the legislative frame concerning renewable sources of energy and the current state of the use of PV systems in Serbia, climate conditions and energy potential of the renewable sources in Serbia. Apart from PVGIS solar map of Serbia real meteorological data for 17 towns in Serbia are given. Based on PVGIS program, geographycal position and the results of PVGIS calculation of the yearly average values of the optimal panel inclination, solar irradiation on the horizontal, vertical and optimally inclined plane, ratio of diffuse to global solar irradiation and linke turbidity for some cities in Serbia are given. Total for year sum of global irradiation per square meter received by the modules of the fixed PV solar plants, optimally inclined one-axis and dual-axis tracking PV solar plants of 1 MW and total for year electricity production of different types of PV solar plant of 1 MW for 23 cities in Serbia obtained by PVGIS are given. Comparison of total for year electricity production of different types of PV solar plant of 1 MW with monocrystaline silicon, CdTe and CIS solar modules, respective, for 23 cities in Serbia is given. Calculations performed by PVGIS program have shown that irrespectable of the type of PV solar plants, most electrical energy in Serbia can be generated by means of PV solar plants with CdTe solar cells. Some practical data and considerations given in this paper can be used by a customer or company keen to invest in the PV sector in Serbia. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.