Performance Evaluation of the Navrongo Solar PV Power Plant in Ghana

Abstract

The electric power-driven economy of Ghana has necessitated the continual balance of demand with supply by making use of economically feasible sources of energy. In this paper, a 2.5 MW grid connected solar photovoltaic (PV) power plant in Navrongo is evaluated for its performance in 2014. The plant’s output energy, including PV modules, and system efficiencies with other performance indicators were analysed based on IEC 61724 standard. The average ambient and PV module temperature determined was 31°C and 45°C respectively, with 514 W/m2 as the average global radiation. The monthly daily average energy generated was 10.7 MWh with 320.5 MWh and 3845.8 MWh as total monthly average and annual generated energy respectively, during the period. The respective average array, reference, and final yields in hours per day (h/d) were 0.48, 0.51 and 4.13 as well as 18% Capacity Factor, and 81% Performance Ration. A total of 3768.0 MWh was delivered and the PV modules, inverter and system efficiencies were 10.1%, 84%, and 10.3% respectively. In conclusion, it was identified that, dust accumulations on the PV modules surface, significantly reduces the output power due to inefficient use of solar irradiation. Effective and efficient cleaning of the PV modules surface is therefore recommended for improved efficiency of the plant. The aim of this research; therefore; which was to evaluate the performance of the Navrongo solar PV power plant and optimise the energy output efficiently by the use of modelling and simulation has been achieved.