Feasibility of a small on grid PV System in Albania

Abstract

The efficiency of the PV systems connected to the network depends not only on the efficiencyof the PV module and the natural potential of solar radiation at the place of installation but also on severalother factors related to the installation, temperature of the modules, nature and quality of the national orregional electrical network, inverter sizing, load, etc. The system in this study is installed on the roof ofthe Institute of Geosciences, Energy, Water, and Environment building. The system comprises two groupsof 12 polycrystalline silicon panels connected in parallel. The designed power of the PV system is 4.56kW. The PV panels are oriented towards the south, with an azimuth angle of 0° and an inclination to thehorizon of 41°. The system is monitored for one year, from 2012 to 2013. Even though the PV systemstudied is of small size for the PV systems connected to the network, the results obtained and theirinterpretations enable us to determine an appropriate methodology for assessing the feasibility anddesigning of any similar PV system connected to the network. The used parameters during the evaluation,wherever possible, are defined in this study. In conclusion, considering all the calculated losses, the PVsystem's evaluated losses are 24.2%.