Comparative performance investigation of mono- and poly-crystalline silicon photovoltaic modules for use in grid-connected photovoltaic systems in dry climates

In this study, the design and performance of a real 11.04 kWp grid connected photovoltaic (PV) system is investigated. This plant is composed of two types of 5.52 kWp common crystalline PV technology with almost similar characteristics. The PV power plant is established in an industrial sector of Kerman, Iran which experiences the same fluctuations in solar irradiance and ambient temperature for both types of monocrystalline silicon (mc-Si) and polycrystalline silicon (p-Si) PV modules. For experimental investigation of the plant, all meteorological and performance data of PV power plant are acquired by means of dedicated systems during July 2013 to June 2014. Thus, in this pioneer study, performance evaluations of two types of crystalline PV technology are studied, and as a part of considerations in the PV power plant design, the output power from p-Si PV modules is found greater. The annual average daily final yield (Yf), performance ratio (PR), and capacity factor (CF) for mc-Si are found to be 5.24 kW h/kWp day, 80.81%, and 23.20%, respectively. Furthermore, Yf, PR, and CF for p-Si are estimated as 5.38 kW h/kWp day, 82.92%, and 23.81%, respectively.