Performance evaluation of on-grid PV systems in Egypt

Abstract

ABSTRACT The Egyptian government has set renewable energy targets of 20% of the electricity mix by 2022 and 42% by 2035. The National Water Research Center (NWRC) (Qanatir, Egypt) set up a pilot rooftop 90 kW PV system supporting this approach. This paper analyzes the electrical output signals of 90 kW photovoltaics on-grid system mounted on the roof of the National Water Research Center (NWRC) (Qanatir, Egypt). A previous simulation model using Matlab program is modified to incorporate more accurate information on system configuration became available. Components of the model were modified: four inverters (20 kW rated power) and one (10 kW rated power) and the scenario of tying the system to the local low voltage grid is discarded. Recommendation from previous study was taken to tie system the national high voltage grid to multiply the savings; therefore, it is the only simulated scenario. The simulated output energy of the system, at different values of solar intensity, is compared with the recorded data. A deviation between the simulink model and recorded data is found, due to power failure, surface cleaning of PV panels and weather variations. The results showed that the maximum energy is generated during July (14.5 MWhr) whilst the minimum energy in December and January (5 MWhr).