Simulation-Based Performance Analysis of a Grid-Connected Photovoltaic Plant in Desert Climate Conditions

Abstract

This paper looks at how well a 5 MW grid-tied PV power plant in the In Salah region of southern Algeria runs. The study addresses a 10-hectare, polycrystalline silicon panel-using plant running since 2016 using the PVsyst simulation tool. It was updated with precise meteorological data that accurately reflects the site's environmental reality, enabling adjustments to the simulation results for the challenging desert climate conditions of Ain Salah, characterized by high temperatures and intense solar radiation.  According to modelling results, energy output achieved 7,603,339 kWh annually, with a performance ratio (PR) of 81.7% and a PV module efficiency of 12.67%. These figures demonstrate good performance in a climate environment that is difficult to control. Loss research also revealed that several important causes contributed to the performance drop, including component mismatches (2.1%), inverter losses (5%), and high-temperature losses (7.6%). These findings support the notion that one of the primary factors affecting PV system effectiveness in arid areas is high temperatures. Comparing these findings to the performance of comparable systems in Algeria and abroad revealed that efficiency is strongly correlated with several variables, chief among them being the climate and the solar cell technology used. The planning and assessment of PV systems benefit from advanced modeling software, such as PVsyst, as this paper demonstrates. Especially for grid-connected photovoltaic power plants in remote locations with severe conditions, simulation reflects its value in decision-making by providing precise forecasts, identifying loss factors, and enhancing overall efficiency.