J.

Energy Power Sources Journal of Energy

Vol. 2, No. 1, 2015, pp. 40-53 and Power Sources
Received: August 6, 2014, Published: January 30, 2015 www.ethanpublishing.com

Solar PV Performance Parameter and Recommendation

for Optimization of Performance in Large Scale Grid
Connected Solar PV Plant—Case Study

Ashish Verma1 and Shivya Singhal2

1. Department of Electrical Power & Energy, University of Petroleum & Energy studies, Dehradun, India
2. Project & Design Solar division, Gensol Engineering Pvt Ltd, Ahmedabad, India
Corresponding author: Ashish Verma (ashish.verma@stu.upes.ac.in)

Abstract: Solar Energy is becoming an important source of energy all over the world and especially in developing countries like India.
The total installed capacity of Solar PV is 2208 MW in India till January 2014. Knowledge about the performance of solar power plant
will result in correct investment decision and better regulatory framework, technical enhancement of solar photovoltaic technology.
This research study report covered various performance parameters. i.e., Performance Ratio (PR), Cumulative Utilization Factor (CUF),
factors contributing to the performance of solar power plants. i.e., radiation, temperature, and other climate conditions, design
parameters, PR which should be take care during initial state at the time of engineering of plant to get better performance and generation
results of solar power plant in 25 years of time span. vegetation, module cleaning and handling, heating and ventilation and some other
important parameter like, proper drainage, cleaning water quality, auxiliary power consumption, centralized control of plant are others
important parameter which need to incorporate during the operation of plant. Solar PV plant performance measured on the basis of PR
or CUF of the plant for particular time of span of energy generation through solar PV at any location. Research paper also covered case
studies of performance of 20 MW Solar PV Project (NSL), and effective solution provided by Gensol Engineering Pvt. Ltd to enhance
the performance of Solar PV project based on the site survey and 1 year performance data provided by the O&M Contactor. In spite of
massive growth of Solar PV Projects, the performance of this commissioned project will build up confidence among the new
developers.

Keywords: Solar photovoltaics, performance ratio (PR), cumulative utilization factor (CUF), MW scale solar plant, performance,
losses.

Nomenclature: means of power generation. On July 30th and 31st,

E Produced energy in kWh in a given period

2012, the world’s largest blackout—The Great Indian
GE Irradiation energy on module plane in kWh m-2 Outage, stretching from New Delhi to Kolkata,
A Area in m2 of all the Modules installed occurred. This blackout, due to failure of the northern
ηmodule Module Efficiency power grid, caused nearly 300 million people [1].
Ptpv Thermal losses factor for the photovoltaic generator
The basic technology, design and engineering of PV
NOCT Nominal operating cell temperature
Ptpv Thermal losses factor for the photovoltaic generator power plants, is now well developed and proven,
γ Power temperature coefficient of module thanks to the experience gained during the past few
years in Europe and USA. Countries like Germany,
1. Introduction
Spain and Italy have demonstrated the feasibility of
India has tremendous energy needs and increasing Solar PV power generation in spite of the fact that the
difficulty in meeting those needs through traditional solar irradiation levels at most places in these countries
 Solar PV Performance Parameter and Recommendation for Optimization of Performance in
Large Scale Grid Connected Solar PV Plant—Case Study
are much lesser than the tropical countries like India.
The success of PV power generation projects in the
West has prompted investors to move rapidly towards
development of similar projects in India with the
support of policy framework announced by the
government. One must not, however, lose sight of the
fact that there are challenges which are to be overcome
to ensure that the plant is built within the committed
schedule, operates optimally and remains feasible over
its complete life period (25 years). These challenges
can be classified into commercial (relating to
permissions and clearances), financial (relating to
equity and debt financing) and technological (related to
design optimization, selection of components etc.).
While the solar radiation is available in plenty almost
all over India all through the year, there are certain
other climatic (e.g., high temperatures), environmental
(dust and grime) and infrastructural conditions
(unstable grid etc.), that could make the yield of the PV
plant lesser than what would be expected. It is
necessary to optimize the design after due
consideration of all these factors [2].
However, this paper does not intend to be a guide for
designing a power plant. A number of well-designed
software is available and some general precautions,
practices that help in the design process and give a
fairly accurate estimation of the annual energy
generation. This report is aims to recommend a few
steps that can be taken to optimize the performance of
the power plant. These steps may seem to be minor but,
if overlooked, could result in avoidable losses. An
attempt is made to simplify the technical aspects, as
much as possible, to benefit even the not-so-technically
inclined reader. Currently India has 2208 MW solar PV
plant been installed in India so far, and therefore no
historical experience available. It is important to
investigate the performance of solar power plants.
Knowledge about the performance of solar power
plants will result in correct investment decisions, a
better regulatory framework and favorable government
policies.
41
The objectives of this study are summarized below:
• To estimate the performance of solar power
plants;
• Various parameters that affect the performance of
SPV plant;
• To review design criteria for better performance
of power plants;
• Practical suggestion to optimize the performance
of Solar Power plant;
• Analysis of 20 MW Grid connected Solar PV
plant in terms of performance.
The use of appropriate performance parameters
facilitates the comparison of grid-connected
photovoltaic (PV) systems that may differ with respect
to design, technology, or geographic location.
Performance parameters that define the overall system
performance with respect to the energy production,
solar resource, and overall effect of system losses are
the following: Solar PV system DC and AC side energy
yield, PR, capacity utilization factor.
2. Methodology
Detailed research and analysis on SPV plant
performance was part of my Internship project, it
includes study of different type of performance
parameter, various losses and affect in energy
generation, life cycle of Solar Module, revenue
generation for grid connected solar PV project and
analysis of project case studies with recommendation
to improve the performance of existing plant in design
side with include selection of plant balance of system,
like transformer, inverter, module, module mounting
structure, protection equipment and compare the
design with actual report with existing plant
equipment.
• Detailed study of various parameter from different
journals and case studies, published in various reputed
Journals publishing portals, National renewable
Energy laboratory, USA, Central electricity regulatory
commission, IFA, MNRE and various metrological
agencies. i.e., Meteonorm, NASA;
42 Solar PV Performance Parameter and Recommendation for Optimization of Performance in
Large Scale Grid Connected Solar PV Plant—Case Study
• Detaille study of NSL MW scale level plant, date
provided by the Gensol Engineering private limited;
• Brief study of their primary report for
construction the project and recommendation to
optimized the exiting design and plant layout;
• Detailed study of provided technical data and
various test conducted before hand over the plant to the
owner;
• Suggestion to the developers to opt best industry
practices for getting better performance and generation
of the plant;
• Site visit conducted and visualize the defect and
problems in the plant and suggest the contactor to
mitigate the issues to optimize the plant performance.
3. Performance Parameters
3.1 Performance Ratio
The Performance Ratio (PR) is a measure of the
quality of a PV plant that is independent of location and
it therefore often described as a quality factor. The PR
is stated as per cent and describes the relationship
between the actual and theoretical energy outputs of the
PV plant. It thus shows the proportion of the energy
that is actually available for export to the grid after
deduction of energy loss (e.g., due to thermal losses
and conduction losses) and of energy consumption for
operation. The closer the PR value determined for a PV
plant approaches 100%, the more efficiently the
respective PV plant is operating [3]. In real life, a value
of 100% cannot be achieved, as unavoidable losses
always arise with the operation of the PV plant (e.g.,
thermal loss due to heating of the PV modules).
However, High-performance PV plants can reach a PR
of up to 80% as per the SMA, the leading solar inverter
manufacture in the solar Industry [4].
It is observed that PR depends on the irradiation, the
optimum angle of tilt, air temperature, design
parameters, quality of modules, efficiency of inverter
etc.
3.1.1 Function of Performance Ratio
The PR informs you as to how energy efficient and
reliable your PV plant is. With the PR you can compare
the energy output of your PV plant with that of other
PV plants or monitor the status of your PV plant over a
prolonged period. The determination of the PR at fixed
regular intervals does not provide an absolute
comparison. Instead, it provides the operator with the
option of checking performance and output: If it is
assumed that the PV plant is running optimally on
being commissioned, and hence that the initial value
for the PR is 100%, then taking of further PR values
over time enables the identification of deviations,
meaning that appropriate countermeasures can be
promptly initiated. Deviations in the PR value in the
form of values below the normal range therefore
indicate a possible fault in your PV plant at an early
stage.
3.1.2 Performance Ratio Calculation
Different metrological, technical variables need for
calculating the PR of your PV plant. On the one hand
these are the solar-irradiation values for the site of the
PV plant. You can determine these values using a
measuring gage Sensor Box) that measures the incident
solar irradiation at your PV plant. On the other hand,
you need the factor of the modular area of your PV
plant and the relative efficiency of your PV modules.
The modular efficiency of the data sheet for the PV
module can be obtained in the data sheet. Analysis
period should be at least 1 year for getting optimum
performance [5].
For calculating the PR, this formula is used:
E[kWh]
PR =
kWh
GE × Aplant m2 × ηmodule × (1 - Ptpv)
m2
γ
Ptpv = Tc - NOCT ×
100
3.1.3 Factor Affecting the Performance Ratio
The PR is a purely definition based variable which,
under the influence of certain factor, may even exceed
values of 100%. This is under standard test conditions
(1,000 W m-2 solar irradiation and 25°C module
temperature). Deviating conditions in real operating
conditions therefore influence the PR.
 Solar PV Performance Parameter and Recommendation for Optimization of Performance in 43
Large Scale Grid Connected Solar PV Plant—Case Study

Table 1 Energy generation and Performance ratio of 1000 kWp plant at Bhoothapandi, Kanyakumari (Lat: 8.15 N, Long:
77.26 E), Simulation based on Solar GIS online tool for 1000 kWp Plant with c-Si technology at fixed tilt angle.
Energy output Energy loss Performance ratio
Steps
(kWh/kWp) (kWh/kWp) Partial (%) Cumulative (%)
Global in plane irradiation(input) 1929 - 100 100
Global irradiation reduced by terrain 1926 -3 99.8 99.8
Global irradiation reduced by reflectivity 1869 -57 97.0 96.9
Conversion to DC in the module 1626 -243 87.0 84.3
Other DC losses 1537 -89 94.5 79.7
Inverter (DC/AC conversion ) 1498 -39 97.5 77.7
Transformer and AC cabling losses 1476 -22 98.5 76.5
Reduced availability 1461 -15 99.0 75.7
Total system performance 1461 -468 75.7

The following factors can have influence to the PR
value:
(1) Environmental factors
• Temperature of the PV module;
• Solar irradiation and power dissipation;
• The measuring gage is in the shade or soiled;
• PV module in the shade or soiled.
(2) Technical factor
• Recording period;
• Conduction losses;
• Efficiency factor of the PV modules;
• Efficiency factor of the inverter;
• Differences in solar cell technologies of the
measuring gage and of the PV modules.
Orientation of module performance characteristics
of the PV modules are used in the calculation of the PR
that have been determined.
3.2 Capacity Utilization Factor
Cumulative Utilization Factor (CUF) is defined as
the ratio between the gross energy generation of a
power plant and the maximum gross energy generation
possible in the period under operation. The capacity
factor of a fixed tilt PV plant in India is typically in the
region of 18%-19%. This means that a 1 MW plant will
generate the equivalent energy of a continuously
operating 0.18 MW plant. Plants in India operating
within a reliable grid network are expected to have a
similar capacity factor. The CUF does not take into
account any environmental factor like variation on
irradiance from one year to another nor does it take into
account the de-rating or degradation of the panels [5].
The Table 1 show how different factor are affecting in
end energy generation.
4. Factors Affecting Performance Parameters
The performance of solar power plants is best defined
by the CUF, which is the ratio of the actual electricity
output from the plant, to the maximum possible output
during the year. The estimated output from the solar
power plant depends on the design parameters and can
be calculated, using standard software. But since there
are several variables which contribute to the final output
from a plant, the CUF varies over a wide range. These
could be on account of poor selection/quality of panels,
derating of modules at higher temperatures, other
design parameters like ohmic loss, atmospheric factors
such as prolonged cloud cover and mist. It is essential
therefore to list the various factors that contribute to
plant output variation. The performance of the power
plant however depends on several parameters including
the site location, solar insolation levels, climatic
conditions specially temperature, technical losses in
cabling, module mismatch, soiling losses, MPPT losses,
transformer losses and the inverter losses. There could
also be losses due to grid unavailability and the module
degradation through aging.
4.1 Radiation of Location
The primary requirement for the design of any solar
44 Solar PV Performance Parameter and Recommendation for Optimization of Performance in
Large Scale Grid Connected Solar PV Plant—Case Study
power project is accurate solar radiation data. It is
essential to know the method used for measuring data
for accurate design. Data may be instantaneously
measured (irradiance) or integrated over a period of
time (irradiation) usually one hour or day. Data may be
for beam, diffuse or total radiation, and for a horizontal
or inclined surface.
4.2 Losses Associate with Solar PV Plant
The estimated system losses are all the losses in the
system, which cause the power actually delivered to the
electricity grid to be lower than the power produced by
the PV modules. The solar power plant losses are due
to:
• Cells operating out of the STCs;
• Voltage drop in the dc cables and protection
diodes;
• Dirt and dust, Shade;
• Dispersion of parameters among the PV modules;
• Operation voltage out of the maximum power
point (MPP);
• Spectrum and angle of incidence.
4.3 Losses Due to Electric Conductors
These losses are important in DC, when the voltage
is low. It is crucial to conveniently size the conductor
sections so that the voltage drop is less than 1.5%. It is
also important to place the generators close to the
inverters, to work at the maximum DC voltage that the
panels and the inverters can withstand, to increase the
conversion performance, and to reduce ohmic losses.
4.4 Soiling
Soiling of solar panels can occur as a result of dust
and dirt accumulation. In most cases, the material is
washed off the panel surface by rainfall; however dirt
like bird droppings may stay even after heavy rains.
The most critical part of a module is the lower edge.
Especially with rather low inclinations, soiling at the
edge of the frame occurs. By often repeated water
collection in the shallow puddle between frame and
glass and consecutive evaporation dirt accumulates.
Once it causes shading of the cells, this dirt reduces the
available power from a module. The losses are
generally 1%; however the power is restored if the
modules are cleaned.
4.5 Mismatch Effects
Mismatch losses are caused by the interconnection
of solar modules in series and parallel. The modules
which do not have identical properties or which
experience\different conditions from one another.
Mismatch losses are a serious problem in PV modules
and arrays because the output of the entire PV array
under worst case conditions is determined by the solar
module with the lowest output. Therefore the selection
of modules becomes quite important in overall
performance of the plant [6].
4.6 MPPT Losses
Power output of a Solar PV module changes with
change in direction of sun, changes in solar insolation
level and with varying temperature. The PV (power vs.
voltage) curve of the module is a single maxima of
power, which exists a peak power corresponding to a
particular voltage and current. Since the module
efficiency is low which is desirable to operate the
module at the peak power point so that the maximum
power can be delivered to the load under varying
temperature and insolation conditions. Hence
maximization of power improves the utilization of the
solar PV module. A Maximum Power Point Tracker
(MPPT) is used for extracting the maximum power
from the solar PV module and transferring that power
to the load. Maximum power point tracking is used to
ensure that the panel output is always achieved at the
maximum power point. Using MPPT significantly
increases the output from the solar power plant [7].
4.7 Irradiance Losses
In Simulation software like PVsyst, the evaluation of
the “Losses” of a PV array (It mentioned in Table 2) (as
 Solar PV Performance Parameter and Recommendation for Optimization of Performance in 45
Large Scale Grid Connected Solar PV Plant—Case Study

Table 2 Loss in energy generation from DC to AC Site Simulation through PVsyst software of 1 MW AC plant located in
Bhilwara Rajasthan.
Effect Available energy Loss (- %)/gain (+ %)
GHI in collector plain 2048 kWh m-2 +10.2%
Near Shading losses -1.1%
2175 kWh m-2
IAM factor on global -2.6%
Effective irradiance on collector 2175 kWh m-2 × 7077 m2 -
Array nominal energy at STC 2393 MWh -
Losses due to irradiance level -1.0%
Losses due to temperature -10.3%
Array soiling loss -3.1%
Module quality loss -0.5%
Array mismatch loss -2.1%
Ohmic wiring loss -1.1%
Array virtual Energy at MPP 1982 MWh -
Inverter loss during operation 1947 MWh -1.8%
AC ohmic Loss -0.3%
1920 MWh
External transformer losses -1.1%
Energy injected into grid 1920 MWh

for the definition of the normalized PR), takes as
starting point the energy which would be produced if
the system worked always at STC conditions (1000 W
m-2, 25°C, AM1.5). The loss due to operating
temperature (instead of 25°C) is well-known. It is
strange that nobody tells anything about the loss due to
the irradiance level, which is of the same kind.
4.8 Inverter Efficiency
The conversion efficiency is a measure of the losses
experienced during the conversion from DC to AC.
These losses are due to multiple factors: The presence
of a transformer and the associated magnetic and
copper losses, inverter self-consumption, and losses in
the power electronics. Conversion efficiency is defined
as the ratio of the fundamental component of the AC
power output from the inverter, divided by the DC
power input.
The conversion efficiency is not constant, but
depends on the DC power input, the operating voltage,
and the weather conditions including ambient
temperature and irradiance. The variance in irradiance
during a day causes fluctuations in the power output
and Maximum Power Point (MPP) of a PV array.
4.9 Influence of Angle of Incidence
The most important factor which influencing the dc
energy from modules is the effect of optical losses that
vary with the Angle of Incidence (AOI) of sunlight
striking the module. The effect relates primarily to the
direct beam component of solar irradiance because the
module’s response to diffuse solar irradiance is largely
independent of module orientation. For flat-plate
modules, the optical loss is associated with the
reflectance loss of the glass front surface. The
reflectance of the glass surface increases significantly
for AOI greater than about 60 degrees. The net result is
less sunlight reaching the cells inside the module and
reduced energy production for large AOI. Like the
influence of solar spectral variation, the influence of
this optical loss on annual energy production is
relatively small, but can have a seasonal effect depend
upon orientation of module.
5. General Recommendation for Optimizing
Plant Performance
There are challenges which are to be overcome to
ensure that the plant is built within the committed
schedule, operates optimally and remains feasible over
its complete life period (25 years). These challenges
can be classified into commercial (relating to
46 Solar PV Performance Parameter and Recommendation for Optimization of Performance in
Large Scale Grid Connected Solar PV Plant—Case Study
permissions and clearances), financial (relating to
equity and debt financing) and technological (related to
design optimization, selection of components etc.).
While the solar radiation is available in plenty almost
all over India all through the year, there are certain
other climatic (e.g., high temperatures), environmental
(dust and grime) and infrastructural conditions
(unstable grid etc.), that could make the yield of the PV
plant lesser than what would be expected. It is
necessary to optimize the design after due
consideration of all these factors. However, this paper
does not intend to be a guide for designing a power
plant. A number of well-designed software are
available that help in the design process and gives a
fairly accurate estimation of the annual energy
generation. This paper aims to recommend a few steps
that can be taken to optimize the performance of the
power plant. These steps may seem to be minor but, if
overlooked, could result in avoidable losses. An
attempt is made to simplify the technical aspects, as
much as possible, to benefit even the not-so-technically
inclined reader. The key components of a
grid-connected PV power plant are PV modules (also
called panels), foundations & mounting structures,
cables & junction boxes, grid-connected inverters (also
called grid-tied or grid-synchronized), monitoring
system, low voltage switchgear & components,
medium voltage apparatus and transformer yard for
connecting to grid. Below are a few important
considerations which must be borne in mind during
installation and commissioning of the power plant to
ensure optimal performance.
5.1 Tilt Angles, Spacing of Structures and Avoiding
Shadows
Shadows are not only caused by poles, trees and
buildings but also by the module mounting structures
themselves on other structures, if the spacing between
rows is not adequate and if seasonal lengthening of
shadows has not been taken into account. It is
advisable to use shadow simulation software, which
can show the movement of shadows at any time of the
day of any month in the year. This helps in optimizing
the distance between rows and consequently area
occupied by the array structures. Leaves, birds and
bird droppings that may fall directly on the modules
can also cause shadowing of one or more cells in a
module, and reduce the current output from that
module. If many modules are affected in this manner,
the performance of the plant can reduce considerably.
Periodic cleaning is a must to avoid such losses.
Sprinkler systems should only be used if the water
quality is good, lest the stains left by water on the
modules shall reduce the transparency of the glass and
reduce output. If fixed structures are used, the tilt
angle of the modules should be kept as the latitude of
the place, the example given in Table 3 which having
prime location in India.
5.2 The Shade of the Tilted Array
A tilted array on a ground mounted solar plant means
an obstacle for other modules in the same plain. We
don’t want any shade on any modules at any time.
Therefore, there should be enough clearance between
the rows of the array. Thumb rule say that the pitch
should be third time compare with height of module
array to avoid shading losses. Shading losses should be
in limit of 1.5%, Fig. 1 show that how optimum tilt
angle reduce the loss with respected to optimum during
simulation.
5.3 Fixed Structures or Tracking Systems
The energy yield of a PV module with crystalline
silicon cells is maximum if the sunlight is incident
perpendicular on it. Thus if the surface of the module is
Table 3 Optimum tilt angle, based on Orientation on
PVsyst site simulation.
Latitude, Optimum Irradiation
Location
Longitude Angle (kWh m-2/day)
Delhi 28.3 N, 77.28 E 29º 5.09
Jaipur 26.91 N, 75.22 E 26º 5.52
Ahmedabad 23.03 N, 75.20 E 22º 5.35
Shillong 25.57 N, 91.89 E 24º 4.54
 So
olar PV Perforrmance Param
meter and Rec
commendation for Optimizaation of Perfo
ormance in 47
Large Scale Grid Conne
ected Solar PV
V Plant—Case
e Study

made to tracck the sun, tthe energy yieldy increases. 5.4 Minnimize Lossess Due to Arrayy Mismatch
However, thee decision to sselect either a fixed structurre
The array is formmed by conneccting the moduules in a
or a trackingg system muust be done after a a carefuul
series parallel conffiguration to match the innput DC
cost-benefit analysis
a over the life time of the projecct.
voltagee of the in nverter. Geneerally, moduules are
The tracking system can either be sing gle-axis whicch
specified with a toleerance of +/-2%% to +/-5% (oor 0% to
track the sunn from dawn tto dusk, or dual-axis
d whicch
+5%). In each caase the diffference in eelectrical
also tracks the
t annual paath of the su un and makees
charactteristics of on
ne module to the
t other coulld be up
seasonal adjuustment of tthe tilt angle for optimaal
to at leeast 4%. It iss important too make sure that the
alignment to the sun at all times.
modulees are sorted for
f Imp (currennt at maximum m power
at STCC) for strings and
a for Vmp for parallel. M Modules
in the same string should
s have Immp within a rrange as
narroww as possible.. Generally 5-10%
5 overloaading is
i DC side forr reducing thee mismatch losses and
doing in
increasse generation on AC side.

5.5 Pow
wer Loss Duee to Temperatuure

The ambient temp peratures in Inndia could goo as high

as 50°C t high solar irradiation areeas. The
C in many of the
cell tem
mperature durring such timees will be evenn higher
and couuld reach 65°C C to 70°C. Thhe power outpuut of the
modulee reduces by about
a 0.42% to
t 0.48% for eevery °C
rise in cell temperatture. Thus at a cell temperrature of
70°C, a 230 Wp mo odule may only produce abbout 185
W. It is important to select PV modules witth lower
temperrature coefficiient for powerr. This aspect is more
importtant in tropicaal countries with high tempperatures
than thhe European countries.

5.6 Opptimizing Inverrter Losses

Inveerters are available in largge capacity ass central

inverteers (generally 100 KW to 500 5 KW) or aas String
inverteers for a strin
ng or as micrro inverters ffor each
modulee. Each conceptc hass advantagees and
disadvaantages. Mostt large powerr plants are buuilt with
centrall inverters duue to their loower cost/W. Choose
inverteers, which hav ve a large inpput DC voltagge range
Fig. 1 Selectioon of optimum m tilt angle duriing simulation tto and loww cut-in limit so that it could start at loweer power
avoid shadingg loss and geetting maximu um radiation iin limit, and
a there aree minimum looss of powerr due to
collector plan 1: Show the op ptimum tilt ang gle for Bhilwarra
under-vvoltage and overvoltage from f the arraay. It is
district (Lat: 25.2
2 N & Long: 74.6 E) (rand dom selection foor
demonstration n) 2: tilt angle and correspon ndent losses an nd preferaable to use thee master-slavee concept whiile using
radiation inciddent in plain. the cenntral inverterss in large sizze power plannts. The
48 Solar PV Performance Parameter and Recommendation for Optimization of Performance in
Large Scale Grid Connected Solar PV Plant—Case Study
total power is divided by the number of inverters. One
inverter is the master device and starts operating in the
low irradiance level. When the irradiance increases, the
power limit of the master inverter is reached, and the
next inverter also gets connected. The advantage of this
concept is that the efficiency is high even in the low
light conditions as compared to a case when only one
central inverter is used for the whole system. The
increase in efficiency often offsets the higher cost of
the master slave concept.
5.7 Selection of Efficient Cable and Minimizing Cable
Losses
It may be noted that a typical 1 MW solar project use
about 10 KM of solar cable, hence optimizing cable
size and cable routing becomes important for system
designer. Even if we say, 1% of energy saved through
reduces cable losses; it generated extra energy worth 25
Lac per annum. While selecting cable, it’s important,
that we do a right selection of conductor size. For solar
projects both copper and aluminium conductors are
used, however, using aluminium has its own demerits
such as low bending strength, higher thickens and
higher losses. Although we can save bit of money
while using aluminium conductor, but it becomes,
difficult to change broken cable In the solar field and
the loss of generation due to cable failures become
critical which should be consider while selecting a
cable conductor type. The operating temperature of
cable affects its current carrying capacity and hence,
the local site conditions play very important role while
selecting right size of cable. Typically, the cable should
be design consider the highest temperature observed at
the site (worst case scenario). It has been observed that
cable sizing is done at STC of the 25°C. However, we
have seen in various sites, the operating temperature of
cable goes as high as 75°C. The system voltage is also
an important factor while deciding the cable size. If a
system voltage is 600 V, the cable size for a 8 A current
and losses are 2% then cable size is of the order of 6
mm2 and if with the same voltage and current value but
with only 1% of loss, if the system voltage is increased
to 1000 V DC cable size can be reduced to 2.5 mm2 to
carry the same power. The inverters should be placed
as near to the array as possible in order to minimize the
length of the DC cables. The string inverter concept
based design is better in this regard. Considerable
power loss can happen (about 2%) if care is not taken to
select the right cross section of the cables and ensuring
minimum distances for the DC cables. Losses in AC
cables are minimal [8].
5.8 Operation and Maintenance
Dusty winds and presence of suspended particulate
matter is quite high in most parts of our country. A film
of dust can degrade the performance of modules
considerably. It is advisable to ensure cleaning of
panels on a periodic basis to keep the front surface
clean. Preventive maintenance of all components
according to the supplier’s manual must be carried out
as per plan to keep the performance of the plant in top
gear. A well designed grid-connected PV power plant
will certainly yield a higher PR if the above
considerations are borne in mind. PR is the
well-recognized quality factor which describes the
relationship between the actual and theoretical energy
output of the PV power plant.
6. Case Study: 20 MW Grid Connected Solar
PV Plant at Shivlakha Gujrat, India
Under the umbrella of CSR activities, well known
NSL group has set up the 20 MW Solar PV plant at
developers most preferred location GUJRAT,
commissioned in Year 2012. Amorphous silicon thin
film based solar PV project has installed capacity of 20
MW (DC), 18.62 MW (AC) at an optimum fixed tilt
angle at 20°, spread at area approximately 150 acre. On
the basis of site visit, certain legal, technical issues
were identified, although geo technical and technical.
i.e., mobilization of module mounting structure, thin
film damage and loose cable were the main
contribution in downgrading the plant performance.
 Solar PV Performance Parameter and Recommendation for Optimization of Performance in
Large Scale Grid Connected Solar PV Plant—Case Study
7. Identified Issues within Existing Plant
7.1 Size Expansion
The plant performance will be affected if the
structures on the disputed land need shifting because
even these 88 structures cannot be mounted on below
land area (survey land No. 1049/2) which were not
currently under client ownership but can be taken in
future; only 55 structures can be adjusted with
optimum pitch in that area. Out of remaining 33
structures 26 can be shifted to different surveys.
8. Module Shifting & Effect on Designed
Loading of the Plant
On the basis of site visit it was observed that it is
difficult to add capacity in existing plant because of
land constraint and also shifting of modules will
change entire designed loading of inverters and result
in more plant losses because of increased cable from
SSB to dedicated Inverters. The possible option is to
mount modules over control room or spare yard or
inverter rooms, which may increase capacity of plant
up to certain extent. The other option is to reduce the
cable loss for 6 sq mm by using 10 sq mm cable at
maximum length locations.
8.1 String Cable Length
It is observed that in this plant the string cable is run
over at an average 10 km distance which is at higher
side as compared to other plants, where maximum
length covers a distance of 7-8 km. So it is advisable to
reduce the cable loss at string level by using higher
cross section cable.
8.2 Problem in Monitoring Data Logging
As the monitoring of data is not on string level so it
becomes difficult to identify the location of under rated
string, this monitoring deficiency will affect the plant
output as the fault clearing time is increased which
ultimately affect generation of plant. Also there is no
SCADA monitoring and control for AC side of plant so
49
in case any immediate control action if required cannot
be taken because of lack of monitoring data.
8.3 Design Aspect and Quality of Construction
To check the performance of existing plant, design
of civil work and electrical design were analyzed and
recommended for improvement of performance and
quality.
8.4 Electrical Design
8.4.1 PV Module
The 100 Wp Amorphous Silicon single junction
module is being used in this plant. As this module is
suitable for high temperature region (low temp
coefficient and hence, low temp losses) and there is
sufficient availability of land so the basic selection is
acceptable.
Identified Problem and suggestion to heal:
• The tolerance limit range is high 0/+4.99% which
leads to problem of module mismatch.
Suggestion: DC side should be overload accordingly
to avoid mismatch problem.
• From the ground measurements it was observed
that there is difference of about 36°C from STC
condition thus the actual degradation of module
parameters will result in an output power degradation
of 9.74W.
Suggestion: It’s better to select thin film where
temperature difference from STC is very high after
doing cost benefit analysis.
• The modules were found to be covered with dust
layer at some parts and broken on some structures,
refer Figs. 2-3.
Suggestion: Module should be clean regularly with
clean water and handling of thin film during
transportation and installation needs high attention.
proper cleaning of module restore the power.
• Vegetation seen below structures covering
junction box of modules and raising upwards casting
shadow on a few modules as showing in Fig. 4.
Suggestion: Small shrubs and grass should be cut
50 Solar PV Performance Parameter and Recommendation for Optimization of Performance in
Large Scale Grid Connected Solar PV Plant—Case Study

Fig. 4 Vegetation which is creating shadow with in module

Fig. 2 Clean module with dirt and dust.
Fig. 3 Module with break surface.
regular interval specially in rainy season to avowing
shading losses in lower portion of module.
surface.
• The modules are placed at 20° tilt angle on
structure which is 3° less than optimum tilt but as 23°
tilt was increasing the pitch so selection of 20° at 7.4 m
pitch is justified with difference of few units if modules
kept at optimum pitch.
Suggestion: Tilt angle should be optimum, if there is
not any space constrains and pitch should be proper for
avoiding shadow loss. Collector width should be
choose carefully, it will be width if module is placed in
landscape mode and length if module in portrait mode.
8.4.2 Inverter
• The inverter for this plant will give an output
power of 665 kW, the maximum designed DC loading
is 716.4 kW which is under maximum DC name plate
rating of inverter (802 kWp) and hence, is acceptable.
 Solar PV Performance Parameter and Recommendation for Optimization of Performance in 51
Large Scale Grid Connected Solar PV Plant—Case Study

Suggestion: Selected Inverter should be should be

capable of taking maximum DC loading of output.
• The operating temperature requirement for the
665 kW inverter is -10 to 40°C. Since the ambient
temperature of the site in summer seasons reached up
to 48-50°C and corresponding to this high temperature
the ambient temperature of inverter room increases,
thus the performance of inverter is affected.
Suggestion: Inverter selection should be according to
the ambient temperature specially where temperature is
increases beyond 50ºC places like Rajasthan and
Gujarat.
8.4.3 Cable
• The module interconnection cable is 2.5 sq mm,
since the power and voltage drop losses are within
permissible limits (less than 1%) thus the selection of
DC cable is correct.
• The 6 sq mm cable which is used for carrying
current from string to SSB is not appropriately selected
because there is a total loss of 3.52% on an average and
maximum loss of 6% on cable length which is of
approx. 2 kms. Fig. 5 Cable conduit is open.

• The 95 sq mm cable used for connection of SSB to
inverter is correctly sized as the losses on maximum
length are within 1% (less than 1%).
• The total DC cable loss calculated on maximum
length is 6.55% (0.34% for 2.5 sq mm, 6.03% for 6 sq
mm and 0.18% for 95 sq mm.)
• The cable conduits were not sealed at cable tray
level because of which there are chances of rodents and
rain water entry as showing in the Fig. 5.
• The tying of cables was not proper; the cables
were seen hanging in almost entire plant.
Suggestion: Cable should be proper tied to avoid
power loss and sprak during the operation.
8.4.4 Transformer
• The output of two inverters is combined at inverter
transformer of 1.5 MVA 320/11 KV transformation
capacity. This transformer is rated at 0.8 PF as per
industrial standard.
Suggestion: Transformer capacity should be 10-20%
more than input power to avoid failure due to
overloading for some time and future expansion in load.
• The auxiliary load of plant is 90 kW for these two
numbers of 250 KVA auxiliary transformers are used
which are highly oversized. The maximum efficiency
of transformer normally achieved at 50% loading
which is 125 KVA for this transformer but as this much
load is not currently achieved in the plant, so the
capacity should be reduced.
Suggestion: Auxiliary transformer should be
properly selected after estimating the auxiliary load.
• The input cables seen to be damaged which were
temporarily sealed with tapes proper insulation is
required with proper fitting of glands, as seen in Fig. 6.
8.4.5 Evaluation of Total Loss of Plant
In this section, case study cover the detailed analysis
of total losses occurred during the designing state and
on site data provided by the O&M contractor. It will be
beneficial to evaluate, compare these losses and
52 Solar PV Performance Parameter and Recommendation for Optimization of Performance in
Large Scale Grid Connected Solar PV Plant—Case Study

suggest the solution to avoid these losses if it is 9. Results and Discussion

possible. It is also opportunity for R&D to find out the
The various losses have been considered during the
reason why this variation is happening and provide
simulation at time of project planning as shown in Fig.
efficient technology in Solar PV sector.
7 along with predicted PR shown in Fig. 8.
8.4.6 Losses during Simulation through Software
These following conclusions have been drawn by the
During the design stage 20 MW plant, taking
study:
metrological parameter site simulation for predicting the
• Temperature de-rating losses increases due to
energy generation, PR and specific energy generation
increase in temperature on actual site compare to
were simulate through PVsyst version 5 considering
recorded by metrological source, metronorm;
these losses in percentage, as mentioned in Table 4.
• Shading loss is reduced due to proper selection of
8.5 Loss Data Provided by Contractor of Actual Site pitch and site condition;
• Module mismatch increase because of actual
After 1 year O&M contractor provide the data of
power quality deviation of module. These losses occur
various losses based on the measurement as given in
due to connection of two different rating modules in
Table 5.
series as shifting of modules is difficult at this stage so
a generation loss will remain there due to this loss. If it
can be identified in a structure that same rating of
module is connected in nearby area then re connection
can be done so as to reduce this loss up to certain level;
• Cable Losses increase because of improper
selection of cable from string to string junction box and
length was very long. The losses are calculated for
average length; on maximum length the DC 6 sq mm
cable loss is very high 5.8%. This loss can be
minimized by using higher cross sectional are cable of
10 sq mm. The total cost of replacement will be approx.
Fig. 6 Damage cable.
2.75 Crore, and saving is approx. 59 Crore after doing
Table 4 Losses during the PVsyst simulation. cost benefit analysis;
Temperature derating 6.8% • Increase losses due to undersize of inverter design
Shading loss 2.9% and use of more no of inverter. From DGR these losses
Module mismatch 1.0%
are calculated as there is no means of measuring the
Total cable loss 2.3%
Inverter to 11kV transformer 1.8% inverter output after filter side so it is not identified that
where these losses occur in inverter, by consulting with
Table 5 Losses measured on actual site. inverter manufacturer team tests can be conducted to
Temperature de rating losses 7.7% identify inverter performance at different sections of
Shading loss 1.6%
inverter;
Module mismatch 2.0%
Total DC cable loss 6.5% • Losses occur in 11 to 66 kV transformer can
Auxiliary transformer loss 5.192% investigate by using SCADA system which can give
Auxiliary consumption loss 0.63% monitoring and control mechanism of HT and LT
Inverter to 11kV transformer 2.17% panels. This monitoring helps in identifying fault at
11kV to 66kV transformer 0.90%
particular location and immediate control action.
 Solar PV Performance Parameter and Recommendation for Optimization of Performance in 53
Large Scale Grid Connected Solar PV Plant—Case Study

the confidence of developer, financial institute and

Researcher to make it large, commercial viable
technology. Not at the time of running condition of
plant, a lots of consideration needs to be put for getting
better energy generation result, thus reduce financial
un certainty at the time of operation.

References
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