Performance investigation of grid-connected photovoltaic systems for family household: A case study in Amman, Jordan

Abstract

The main objective of the paper is to investigate the feasibility of small-scale grid-connected PV systems with various PV technologies (mono-crystalline silicon and poly-crystalline silicon) and sun-tracking modes including fixed tilt and 2-axis systems for rooftop households in Amman, Jordan. A case study is applied to Al Jama’a and Abu Nusir, Amman, Jordan. Typical households were chosen for this region to establish a load profile according to monthly electrical bills. The results show that the annual electrical energy from fixed small-scale PV panels tilted at an optimal angle was ranged from 3499.04kWh to 8811.62kWh, while the annual electrical energy from the PV tracking system was within the range of 4788.05-12128.30kWh. This amount of energy output would contribute significantly to reduce fossil fuel consumption and CO2 emissions in the country. Moreover, it is found that the highest energy consumption can be covered by PV systems is recorded in winter. Also, the average energy production cost is ranged from 0.0444-0.0530$/kWh for all proposed systems based on the financial assumptions used in this study. It is concluded that the small-scale grid-connected rooftop PV systems are found to be economically justifiable.