Maximizing the Solar Gain of a Grid-Interactive Solar Photovoltaic Power Plant

Solar photovoltaic (PV) power plants installed worldwide, are emerging as an alternative to fossil-fuel-based power plants. However, the poorly designed power plant not only escalates the cost but also results in inefficient power generation. The performance of a solar power plant depends on the solar energy received on the surface of solar panels installed at correct tilt angles and orientations for maximum solar gain. The tilt angle depends on the position of sun and has to be determined for different locations. The main objective of the paper is to study the effect of optimum tilt angles on power generation by a solar PV plant at any location, As a case study, the monthly, seasonal, and yearly optimum tilt angles are determined for a 190 kW(p) grid-interactive solar power plant installed at Khatkar-Kalan in India. The effects of optimum tilt angles on the energy yield of the solar power plant are studied. A comparative analysis of the simulated and measured energy yield of the power plant is also presented. The energy yields of the power plant determined at optimum yearly, seasonal, and monthly tilt angles are found to be enhanced by 25, 28, and 29%, respectively, thus increasing the income generation by the power plant. The methodology followed can be used for enhancing the power produced by solar photovoltaic plants at any location worldwide.