Sensitivity Analysis of Photovoltaic System Design Parameters to Passively Mitigate Ramp Rates

As solar photovoltaic (PV) generation continues to become a larger part of the energy mix, the challenges associated with their inherent resource variability need to be addressed. Approaches often considered for limiting variability are enhanced cloud forecasting and the utilization of energy storage systems. In this article, we explore addressing variability through the inherent design of the solar site, avoiding the use of additional equipment such as cloud cameras or energy storage. Additionally, we evaluate the sensitivity that three key design parameters have on a PV site's ramp rate, and how intelligent design can limit ramping. A PV power model was developed using plane of array irradiance calculations and manufacturer hardware parameters. Using high resolution environmental data from a site with a relatively large quantity of ramping, annual energy generation and ramp rate estimates for a baseline PV site are estimated as each design parameter is swept. The results show that varying design parameters from a typical “optimal” energy configuration can passively reduce ramp rates by almost 50% with the energy and financial impact also evaluated.