A comparative assessment of the power generation via S-shape and M-shape PV system and its impact on a residential consumer

Abstract

This paper compares the differences in power generation and resident experience between S-shape and M-shape photovoltaic (PV) systems at the same location with the same number of modules. First, the sky anisotropy model (Hay-Davies-Klucher-Reindl, HDKR) is used to simulate solar irradiance (direct, diffuse, and reflection radiation) received by solar modules based on the laws of movement between the Earth and the Sun in the solar system. Next, the annual output power of two different PV system arrangements is calculated based on the solar irradiation received. Furthermore, because the solar module receives three types of solar radiation, interference is added to each of the three parts one by one to simulate shadows cast by moving objects such as birds, leaves, or clouds. Subsequently, off-grid and grid-connected power consumption models are established, and two different photovoltaic power generation systems are used at the power generation end. Lastly, the photovoltaic systems were tested based on residents’ electricity consumption habits, considering both off-grid and grid-connected households. Among them, the grid-connected model adopts the Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm to generate an intelligent and flexible power consumption strategy. The results, based on data from Naha, Japan, show that with the same number of modules, the M-shape arrangement generates less annual power than the S-shape. In summer, though, the M-shape can generate more power, and the two structures have similar immunity to disturbances. The S-shape and M-shape have little difference in the power consumption experience. However, the general applicability of these results to other regions remains uncertain, and further testing is needed to account for environmental variations.