Design and Performance analysis of Net Metering-based Grid Connected Solar Photo-Voltaic System

Abstract

Solar energy is the considered to be the most promising source of energy of near future. There is a concern about the utilization of solar energy in Indian subcontinent due to its variable nature and high initial cost. It would be unrealistic to say that the solar energy will replace the conventional thermal energy resources in future but can surely complement them to meet energy demands. Solar photovoltaic energy resources lag the utilization due to its reduced reliability and high initial cost. Hence, it is highly preferred to operate the solar PV systems on net metering basis. The paper attempts to design and analyse the performance of 5.4 KWp grid tied solar PV system on net metering basis for the location of Nagpur, Maharashtra, India (Lat:21.1458° N, long:79.0882° E) specifically discussing Temperature-Irradiance characteristics, Energy flow graph, Energy production forecast with consumption, optimized cost economics of net metering system. The paper also discusses all the electrical and geographical parameters associated with grid tied PV system and analyses the performance of the system. The software used for the design, optimization and analysis is PVSOL2021.