Methods to Optimize the Performance of an Existing Large-Scale On-grid Solar PV Plant

Abstract

There are a plethora of challenges faced due to the usage of conventional energy sources. Our objective is to optimize the performance and working of an existing on-grid solar power plant by focusing on common problems found in such large-scale installations. The suggested proposals for improvements were based on three identified areas: power generation and performance ratio (PR), running costs, and maintenance costs. We have used PVsyst, a software package, for simulating and analysing the working of the power plant. SCADA data was obtained from the plant along with generated sets of data from PVsyst and was further used to develop our proposals for improvement. Four improvements were suggested, which are “method to improve PV panel cleaning efficiency for dry tropical regions”, “Simulink-based estimation of partial shading loss reduction using herbicides for vegetation management”, “procedure to suggest new optimum tilt for a seasonal tilt arrangement”, and “automated switching and lighting circuit using two-way relay switch”.