Performance Evaluation of 1 MW On-grid Solar Photovoltaic Plant with Single Axis Tracker in Muscat, Oman

This research paper presents data comparison of two different simulation software with an actual on-grid results of 1 MW bifacial solar plant under real meteorological conditions. The solar PV plant of 1 MW incorporated with single axis tracker is one of the largest installed capacities in one single location for an oil and gas company in Muscat, Oman. The main objective of this research is to present and examine the actual results obtained from the plant and compare it with simulated results in a coastal environment. In addition, promote the use of solar photovoltaic plants as a clean and renewable energy to replace fossil fuels. The research shows the actual CO
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savings and bill reduction percentage after integration of 1 MW into the grid. This approach relies on a genuine atmosphere condition including, correspondence system and meteorological station. The data analysis evaluation in this study is carried out for a period of one full year (2022). The site receives very good solar insolation and temperature with an average of 7056 kWh/m
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/month and 35.6 °C, respectively. The integration of 1MW solar PV results in 3% bill reduction for the same year. The plant experienced a very high annual average performance ratio of 90.40%. The energy yield simulations are made on two broad used PV design software: PVsyst and Helioscope. By comparing the simulated results with the actual values of the plant, it was found that PVsyst results are in good agreement with the actual produced results. This research provides the first time comparative study for a 1 MW solar plant with a single axis tracker at Muscat. The actual results show a significant power generation output compared to the simulated results despite the harsh costal environment and high humidity observed at site.