A 5-MWp grid-connected photovoltaic plant's performance analysis and challenges under Algerian Sahara conditions

ABSTRACT

The proposed study presented some challenges and experimentally evaluated the performance of a five MW solar plant placed in Reggane, Algeria, southwest of the desert from 1 May 2022 to 30 April 2023, the solar system was monitored using the standard IEC 61724. This paper's basic goal is to explore how these harsh environmental conditions affect the efficiency of the photovoltaic (PV) power plant, with a focus on the impact of high-level temperature, where the examined system operates at temperatures exceeding 45°C during summer days, ranking this region among the hottest in the world. The results show that the median ratio of performance, final yield and capacity factor was 72.3%, 4.9 h/d and 20.6%, respectively. Additionally, the study examined how the output energy and performance ratio of the PV system changed with temperature and sun irradiation. It found that the PV system only generated 56% of its expected output at very high or low temperatures. These findings can be utilised in improving the prediction of future large-scale solar plants in hot desert conditions, as well as in both the planning and operation of novel connected to the grid PV systems.

KEYWORDS:

• Solar energy
• performance ratio
• temperature
• desert climate
• challenges

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to express their gratitude to the SKTM workers of Adrar and especially Reggane solar power plant.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).