7-11 July 2014
Africa/Johannesburg timezone
<a href="http://events.saip.org.za/internalPage.py?pageId=16&confId=34"><font color=#0000ff>SAIP2014 Proceedings published on 17 April 2015</font></a>

Performance analysis of a 3.2 kWp grid-connected PV system in the Eastern Cape, South Africa

11 Jul 2014, 11:30
20m
D Les 103

D Les 103

Oral Presentation Track F - Applied Physics Applied

Speaker

Dr Denis Okello (NMMU and Makerere University)

Abstract content <br> &nbsp; (Max 300 words)<br><a href="http://events.saip.org.za/getFile.py/access?resId=0&materialId=0&confId=34" target="_blank">Formatting &<br>Special chars</a>

This paper analyzes and compares the actual and simulated performance of a 3.2 kWp grid-connected photovoltaic system. The system is located at the Outdoor Research Facility (34.01oS, 25.67oE) in the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU), South Africa. The system consists of 14 poly crystalline silicon modules connected in two strings of 7 series-connected modules, each facing north at a tilt of 34o. The data presented in this study was measured in the year 2013 where the system supplied 5756.7 kWh of energy to the grid. The performance of the system was simulated using PVsyst software with measured climate data (solar radiation, ambient temperature and wind speed) at the site for the same year. The measured annual irradiance on the solar plane was 2119.8 kWh/m2, and the measured specific energy yield is 1787.8 kWh/kWp/year, while the predicted value is 1741.6 kWh/kWp/year. The results of estimation of energy yield using PVsyst software are in agreement with actual measured value with difference of 2.6%. The performance ratio ranges from 81 to 86% with an annual mean value of 84%. This paper discusses the difference between measured and simulated energy yield and the validity of assumptions.

Level for award<br>&nbsp;(Hons, MSc, <br> &nbsp; PhD)?

PhD

Main supervisor (name and email)<br>and his / her institution

Prof. Ernest van Dyk
email: Ernest.vanDyk@nmmu.ac.za

Would you like to <br> submit a short paper <br> for the Conference <br> Proceedings (Yes / No)?

Yes

Apply to be<br> considered for a student <br> &nbsp; award (Yes / No)?

No

Primary author

Dr Denis Okello (NMMU and Makerere University)

Co-authors

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