Shadow Analysis and Yield Estimation of a 0.98 MWp Solar Power Plant Using PVSyst Simulation Software
1.0 Introduction
Solar energy, particularly through photovoltaic technology, is becoming more popular as an alternative to traditional power sources. Photovoltaic panel installation has been increasing globally, with costs decreasing by over 50% in the last five years. However, careful design and optimization are required to overcome challenges such as power reduction due to partial shading and mismatch losses between series-connected PV modules.
The Arrangement of the Module Plays a prominent role in reducing shading losses, therefore Shading analysis is important to ensure the maximum Yield Generation of a Solar Power Plant.
The Case Study includes the Shadow Analysis and Yield Estimation of a 0.93 MWp Grid Connected Solar Power plant for one of our red carpet clients in Gujarat using PVSyst. simulation Software.
2.0 Objective
The Objective of the Simulation and Shadow Analysis was to provide the Maximum Yield Generation while keeping the Shadow losses of Panels to a minimum considering Plant free for any near Obstacles. And utilizing only the Land Area Provided by the Client for the design of a Solar Power Plant using PV Syst. Simulation Software.
3.0 Problem Statement
- 99 % of EPC Contractors manipulate the Detailed Losses parameter to produce higher generation to gain commercial benefits, therefore the Simulation Yield Estimation values differ from the practical Yield generation of Plant.
- In general practice, Shadow Analysis engineers use third-party software which provides unreliable Shading Loss values.
- Optimization of the Tilt angle of the Module with reliable Module Structure design yet a maximum generation of Yield.
4.0 Methodology
- Defining the Project Location Co-ordinates in the PVSyst Software and Generating the Meteonorm Data for Simulation.
- Tilt and Pitch Optimization for Solar Panels by iterative far shading Simulation.
- Optimizing the number of Modules in String and in parallel connections to generate the maximum possible Output.
- Defining Detailed Losses for Solar Plant to get accurate Yield estimation Loss Includes DC Wiring Loss, AC wiring Loss, Module Quality loss, LID (Light Inducted Degradation) Loss, Auxiliary Loss, Night Consumption Loss,
- Placement of Map Module and shading Objects which includes (Boundary Fencing, Lighting Pole, and Lighting Arrestor) in Near Shading Analysis Tool in PVSyst Software
Figure 4:1Â Reference Image for Shadow Analysis in Near Shading toolbox in PVSyst.
- Calculation of Shading loss by running Simulation for the Smallest day and longest day in the year.
- Running the Overall Simulation
- Generation of the report.
5.0 The Solution to the Problem Statement
- For the simulation of the project, proper values of Detailed losses were defined which eliminated the possibility of a gap between the Estimated and Practical Yield Generation Values.
- For the simulation of the project, PVSyst Simulation’s Shading tool is used for Shadow Analysis which eliminates the chances of Unreliable Shading Loss Values.
- To Optimize the Tilt angle of the Module with reliable Module Structure Design iterative process of Simulation was used to generate maximum Yield.
6.0 Conclusion
Provided the Reports which show the following parameters which Help the Client to Understand the requirement for the Arrangement of Modules and String Sizing for Maximum Yield Generation of the Plant.
- Tilt Angle
- Pitch
- String Configuration
- System-Specific Energy Production (kWh/Year)
- System Losses (kWh/kWp/day)
- Produced Useful Energy (kWh/kWp/day)
- PR(Performance Ratio) of System
The Result of PV Syst. Simulation Provides the Client with an Estimated Energy will Produce by the Solar Plant in the Year in the most Optimized possibility.
This Result Provides the Client with the basic parameters to Consider while Detail designing a Solar Power Plant to Assure maximum generation and minimum loss.