Performance Evaluation of 5kWp grid connected polycrystalline Si-based Photovoltaic Plant

With the increasing penetration of Solar Energy in the distribution grid, it becomes necessary to measure the variability of solar generation output which is affected by factors such as geographic location, Photovoltaic (PV) technology used, and weather conditions. Performance evaluation of such an integrated system will help in the process of designing and maintaining efficient operating conditions for new installations. This paper presents half-year performance analysis of 5kWp grid-interconnected solar power plant installed on the rooftop of a residential location in IIT Kanpur. The site receives good average solar insolation of 4.85 kW h/m2/day with the average temperature varying between 17°C to 35°C in December-January and May-June respectively. Based on IEC-61724 standard, Key Performance Indicators (KPI) such as generated energy, yield, array and inverter efficiencies, performance ratio, and capacitor factor are calculated.