Performance study on a grid connected 20 kWp solar photovoltaic installation in an industry in Tiruchirappalli (India)

This paper discusses the details and results obtained from a study carried out on a roof top 20 kWp solar photovoltaic (PV) power plant in a reputed manufacturing industry in India. Although there is plenty of sunshine, various financial supports and government policies, the growth of photovoltaic (PV) power plants in developing countries is still facing significant barriers due to unclear techno-economic aspects of the PV power plant Therefore this paper highlights a few salient features of the installation, operational performance and economic calculations of a grid connected solar photovoltaic (PV) power plant. A few important aspects of solar power plant installation such as the feasibility of location in terms of geographical data, solar panel mounting design, interfacing aspects of PV system with grid are outlined. The results obtained from the study such as month wise energy generation, performance ratio, capacity factor, maintenance aspects, economic analysis, etc. of the system are discussed in detail. The study enables researchers and engineers in this area to understand roof top solar PV power plant and its economic viability. It is expected that this study will encourage and provide guidance to industries in this region to set-up similar PV power plants. (C) 2014 International Energy Initiative. Published by Elsevier Inc All rights reserved.