Optimization of PV Array-to-Inverter Power Ratio in Grid-Connected Systems to Maximize System Profit

Since PV arrays do not generate nominal power most of the time due to climate conditions, determining the optimal array-to-inverter power ratio (AIPR) is a significant factor in extracting the maximum energy with the highest efficiency to connect to the grid. Previous studies have tried to minimize investment costs, but this does not maximize profit as the time-of-use (TOU) electricity price is not considered. In the present paper, a method is proposed for the optimization of AIPR to maximize the profit during the entire lifetime of the PV system, considering TOU electricity pricing, climate conditions, and optimal array installation conditions. The proposed method results, implemented for a 10 kW PV system considers climate data, and electricity pricing for the city of London in Ontario, Canada, show that the optimal AIPR for this system in the city of London is 2, which results in $8446 more profit than an AIPR of 1 for the entire PV system lifetime. In addition, a comparison of the results of the proposed method with those obtained by minimizing the levelized cost of energy (LCOE) index shows that using the proposed method results in $4130 more profit.