Performance analysis of off-grid PV systems in the Jordan Valley

Off-grid photovoltaic (PV) systems' performance greatly depends on the operating conditions. The environmental conditions have strong impact on the power production of PV modules, especially temperature. Localized installations in different areas possess unique behavior matched with the environmental conditions, yet lines up generally with the main characteristics of PV systems. In this manuscript, an experimental pilot plant setup is designed and installed in Jordan Valley, the lowest point on earth of 350m below sea level. Study of PV systems with these environmental characteristics is rarely addressed. In this work, power production of PV modules and dependence on weather conditions is examined and modeled. Weather data has been collected and summarized in the context of this work as well. Temperature induced deteriorations on system level performance are quantified and modeled through a specially designed cooling system to capture the system characteristics. Generated models can be used to properly estimate the power production potential of the installed PV systems and to adequately size the power plants to match desired load profiles. Experimental verification is presented in this manuscript with all relevant results that are needed to analyze the performance of off-grid PV systems. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.