Performance analysis of a 3 MWp grid connected solar photovoltaic power plant in India

• We evaluate plant performance according to IEC Standard 61724 using field data.
• Effect of solar radiation and PV cell temperature on system losses is analysed.
• The plant performance is compared with other plants using normalised parameters.
• Annual average performance ratio (PR) is 0.7 comparable with other plants.

Renewable energy is projected to meet a significant portion of the future energy needs of India. With solar energy, being abundantly available in most parts of the country, grid connected solar photovoltaic (SPV) power plants are assuming increasing importance. Energy fed into the grid by a solar power plant depends upon seasonal variation of the solar resource, losses due to temperature variation, system losses and losses due to condition of the grid. This paper presents performance analysis of a 3 MW grid connected SPV plant located in Karnataka State, India as per International Electro-technical Commission (IEC) Standard 61724, using monitored data. Normalised technical performance parameters of the plant are evaluated for the year 2011. Inverter failure losses and grid failure losses are estimated for two years of plant operation. Daily and seasonal variations in the SPV plant output are shown using monitored data at five-minute intervals. The SPV generation in relation to load duration curve of the substation is observed. A comparison of normalised performance parameters of the plant with similar parameters of other plants is given. Annual average energy generated by the plant was 1372 kWh per kWp of the installed capacity. Performance of the plant is satisfactory in comparison with that reported from other countries.