Performance Analysis of Rooftop Solar Plants in CVR College of Engineering:A Case Study

Abstract

The growing electrical energy demand in developing countries like India has triggered the scientists and engineers to think of new and innovative methods in the field of renewable energy sources especially solar energy. Grid connected PV systems have become the best alternative to bulk electrical power consumers like industries and other institutions. In this paper 280kWp Photovoltaic Grid Connected Power Plant commissioned at CVR College of Engineering is taken for research study. This Plant uses three different mechanisms to trap the Solar energy from the Sun, namely Seasonal tilting, Single axis tracking and Single axis Polar tracking. The twelve months of a year is segmented into two time frames viz. from September to March and other from April to August. In one time frame Single Axis Polar Tracking Power Plant is giving better performance whereas in other time frame Single axis tracking Power Plant is giving better output. Further research and investigation has to be done on these results to predict the performance of the plants in these two time frames and exact reasons for these outputs.