Optimal energy performance and comparison of open rack and roof mount mono c-Si photovoltaic Systems

Optimal energy performance of a 5 kWp mono crystalline silicon (mono c-Si) photovoltaic system is evaluated in this paper. This analysis is carried out for six different Indian cities. A photovoltaic system with similar electrical configuration and other loss parameters with two different installation methods is simulated. These installation methods includes open rack and roof mount array with fixed orientation and optimal tilt angle. The simulation is carried out using NREL software tool i.e. PV Watts with available solar radiation data resource and with appropriate plant specifications for each city separately. Results shows the comparative analysis of PV electricity yield of open rack and roof mount PV array on monthly and annual basis. Apart from the energy yield, performance factor i.e. capacity factor of simulated PV system for each location with two different installation methods also evaluated and compared.