The analysis of PV power potential and system installation in Manavgat, Turkey—A case study in winter season

Abstract

This study presents an analysis of solar energy potential and data with seasonal variation in region of Manavgat in Antalya, which has one of the highest solar energy potential in Europe. Expectation in the region is simulated for every month and measurements taken from PV power system installed there are compared with simulated results in winter season. Also, some actual harvested data from thin films and monocrystalline types are presented as a case study to evaluate the solar energy potential of the region, comparatively. Besides, importance of the sun tracking system is emphasized by simulation studies via PV Geographical Information System (PVGIS) from point of increasing the yields in selected region. Estimated results from two-axis tracking system are evaluated and compared with output of the fixed-angle PV systems installed there for both thin film and monocrystalline type PV panels. Also, temperature effects on performance of the PV systems are reviewed briefly because of daily high temperature of the region. In particular, it is observed that harvested solar energy from thin film type panels is close to the monocrystalline types, depending on the less effects of high ambient temperature on thin film PV panel's efficiency with respect to the monocrystalline type. Specifically, despite the high solar energy potential, this PV power system installation is the first project in the region. Thanks to this project it is evaluated that thin-film PV panels can be used in the region more favorable, which can be obtained cheaper than the others.