Performance Analysis of a 48 kWp Grid connected Rooftop Photovoltaic System

The dropping market prices of power generated from solar photovoltaics is making it an attractive option for decentralized power in the form of rooftop and ground mounted systems. In the present scenario, the presence of solar photovoltaics in the energy mix is continuously increasing. Thus, it is important to monitor the performance of these systems to identify deviations from expected performance and to maintain higher system efficiency. This paper presents the details of performance analysis study conducted on a 48 kWp rooftop solar PV system located in the Northern India monitored over a 1 year period. The actual measured values of system performance parameters are compared to results obtained from simulating the systems using the PVsyst software. The values estimated using PVsyst for performance ratio and yearly average of system efficiency are 82% and 13.67%. The yearly average value of CUF estimated is 16.14%.The results of this study can aid in providing a glimpse into the operation of solar PV systems operating in the North Indian climate and can help in carrying out future comparative studies. The results obtained in the current study are also compared with the performance parameters of other plants operating in India.