Modeling and performance analysis of a 5MW grid-connected photovoltaic power plant in the hot region of in Salah, Algeria

This research evaluates the performance of a 5MW grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) power plant located in the In Salah region of southern Algeria, utilizing PVsyst simulation software. Commissioned in 2016, the plant spans across 10 hectares and employs polycrystalline silicon (Si-poly) modules for its solar energy generation. Detailed meteorological data specific to the In Salah region's hot desert climate, including solar irradiation levels, temperature ranges, and other relevant parameters, were analyzed and incorporated into the simulation. The PVsyst modeling focused on accurately representing the PV system's configuration, energy production capabilities, potential losses, and overall performance ratio (PR).The annual simulation results revealed that the In Salah PV plant generated 7,603,339 kWh of energy over the course of a year. The PV array exhibited an efficiency of 12.67%, while the overall system achieved a performance ratio of 81.7%. A comprehensive loss diagram was constructed, identifying the major contributors to energy losses, such as temperature-related losses (7.6%), mismatch losses (2.1%), and inverter losses (5%). To assess the plant's performance in a broader context, the In Salah PV installation's PR was compared to other large-scale PV projects within Algeria and internationally. This comparative analysis highlighted that the In Salah plant's performance was average, influenced by factors such as the solar cell technology employed and the specific climatic conditions of the region.The study underscores the importance of utilizing simulation tools like PVsyst in the design and optimization phases of large-scale solar projects. Such simulations enable accurate evaluation of PV system performance under specific environmental conditions, while also identifying potential areas for efficiency improvement. This is particularly crucial for solar projects planned in hot regions, where the impact of high temperatures and other climatic factors on energy generation and system performance must be carefully considered.