University of Bahrain

College of Engineering
Department of Electrical and Electronics

Ismail Noor: 202009939

Subject: Solar and wind energy conversion system (EENG446)

Course project-2
Introduction:
Solar power is rapidly expanding as a renewable energy source that harnesses the sun's energy
to produce electricity. It takes advantage of the immense energy potential of the sun, which
emits more energy in one hour than the world consumes in an entire year.

The International Energy Agency reports that solar power is the fastest-growing renewable
energy source, with global solar capacity increasing by 18% in 2020 alone. Not only does solar
power offer a clean and sustainable solution, but it also has the potential to significantly reduce
our dependence on fossil fuels and mitigate the impacts of climate change. Technological
advancements have made solar power more efficient and cost-effective, making it increasingly
appealing to individuals, businesses, and governments worldwide.

PVsyst is a widely respected software tool developed by PVsyst SA, a Swiss company, specifically
designed to simulate, design, and optimize solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. It is highly esteemed
for its comprehensive and precise modeling capabilities in predicting solar energy production.
By taking into account crucial factors such as solar irradiance, shading, temperature, and system
configuration, PVsyst provides accurate estimates of a solar PV system's energy output.

Solar energy professionals, including engineers, project developers, and investors, frequently
utilize PVsyst to evaluate the performance and feasibility of solar PV projects. The software
enables users to model various system configurations and scenarios, allowing them to optimize
system design, assess financial viability, and make well-informed decisions during project
development. Additionally, PVsyst plays a vital role in monitoring and analyzing the performance
of existing solar PV systems, facilitating the detection of issues such as underperformance or
degradation over time. Its user-friendly interface and robust simulation capabilities have made
PVsyst an essential tool for individuals involved in the design, installation, or operation of solar
PV systems.
Use of PVsyst:
1. Energy Production Modeling: One of the primary functions of a PV system is to accurately
model the energy production of a solar PV system. It takes into account important factors such
as solar irradiance, shading, temperature, and module performance. By considering these
variables, PV systems provide valuable insights into potential energy production bottlenecks
within a system. This information allows users to optimize the system's design and
configuration, making necessary adjustments to improve energy efficiency and maximize overall
performance.
2. Energy Consumption Tracking: PVsyst also has the capability to track energy consumption
within a home or building. By monitoring and analyzing energy usage patterns, PVsyst provides
valuable insights into the amount and timing of energy consumed. This information enables
users to identify potential areas for energy savings and make informed decisions about
optimizing the system's performance to meet specific energy demands. By aligning energy
production and consumption, PVsyst helps users achieve a more efficient and sustainable
energy usage profile.
3. Real-Time Monitoring: PV systems offer real-time monitoring capabilities for solar PV
systems. This feature allows system owners and operators to continuously track and analyze
energy production, providing valuable insights into system performance under varying weather
conditions and throughout different times of the day. By monitoring real-time data, users can
identify opportunities to optimize the system, maximizing energy production and minimizing
energy losses. This enables proactive decision-making and ensures that the solar PV system
operates at its highest potential efficiency.

4. System Optimization: PV systems provide a range of optimization tools and features to

enhance the energy efficiency of solar PV systems. These tools include optimizing the size and
placement of solar modules, mitigating shading and soiling losses, and adjusting the system
configuration to minimize energy losses. By utilizing these optimization features, users can fine-
tune various aspects of the system design to maximize energy production and minimize
inefficiencies. PV systems enable users to explore different scenarios and assess the impact of
specific optimizations, empowering them to make informed decisions that result in an
optimized and high-performing solar PV system.
In summary, PV system energy management capabilities are crucial for optimizing the
performance of solar PV systems, enabling users to effectively monitor, analyze, and adjust
various aspects of the system to achieve maximum energy efficiency and cost savings.
Losses in PV system:
In PV systems, detailed losses encompass various factors that contribute to energy losses in a
solar PV system. These losses are assessed based on the specific system configuration and
design, enabling users to pinpoint areas for optimization and enhance energy efficiency.

PV systems utilize different algorithms and models to compute detailed losses, considering
factors like shading, wiring resistance, module quality, and temperature. Some common types of
detailed losses that can be evaluated in PV systems include:

1. Shading losses: These occur when solar modules are partially or fully shaded by objects such
as trees, buildings, or nearby structures. PV systems analyze shading patterns and assess the
resulting impact on energy production. Adjusting system design and optimizing module
placement can mitigate shading losses.

2. Wiring losses: These arise from resistance in the wiring used to connect solar modules to the
inverter and other system components. PV systems account for wiring configuration and
material properties to determine their effect on energy transmission efficiency. Utilizing high-
quality wiring and adhering to proper installation techniques can minimize wiring losses.

3. Soiling losses: These occur when dirt, dust, or other debris accumulates on the surface of
solar modules, decreasing their efficiency. PV systems consider the soiling rate and its influence
on energy production. Regular maintenance and cleaning practices can help reduce soiling
losses.

4. Module quality losses: These stem from factors such as module degradation over time or the
use of inferior-quality modules. PV systems take into consideration module specifications and
degradation models to estimate their impact on energy production. Opting for high-quality and
reliable modules, coupled with routine system maintenance, can mitigate module quality losses.

By assessing these detailed losses, PV systems empower system designers and engineers to
optimize the performance of solar PV systems. They facilitate the identification of areas for
improvement, allowing adjustments in system design, module placement, maintenance
practices, and other factors to enhance energy efficiency and reduce overall energy loss.
Procedure:

The process of constructing an on-grid solar PV system to fulfill house load demand typically
involves the following stages:
1. Determine average daily energy usage: Begin by calculating the average daily energy
consumption of your household, considering all appliances and devices. This calculation aids in
estimating the size of the solar PV system needed to satisfy your energy requirements.
2. Evaluate roof space: Assess the available roof space on your property to ascertain its
suitability for accommodating a solar PV system. Factors to evaluate include roof orientation,
potential shading from nearby structures or trees, and the structural integrity of the roof.
3. Determine system size: Based on your energy consumption and the roof space assessment,
determine the appropriate size for the solar PV system. Utilize PVsyst to precisely model energy
production, accounting for factors such as solar irradiance, shading, and temperature.
4. Develop system design: Design the layout and configuration of the solar PV system,
considering the number and orientation of solar panels, inverter types, and the potential need
for a battery storage system. Use PVsyst to calculate detailed losses, including shading, wiring
resistance, and inverter inefficiencies, and optimize the system design to minimize energy
losses.
5. Install the system: Proceed with the installation of the solar PV system once the design is
finalized. Adhere to the manufacturer's specifications and comply with local building codes and
regulations throughout the installation process.

6. Monitor and manage energy production and consumption: After installation, utilize PVsyst or
similar monitoring tools to track energy production and consumption in real-time. Adjust the
system as necessary to meet your energy demand and reduce energy costs. Regularly monitor
system performance to identify any issues or areas for improvement.
7. Evaluate system performance: Analyze energy production and consumption data using PVsyst
to assess system performance under various weather conditions. Identify opportunities for
optimization and energy loss reduction based on insights gained from the analysis. Utilize this
information to make informed decisions and enhance the overall performance of your solar PV
system.

By following these steps and leveraging the capabilities of PVsyst, you can effectively plan,
design, and manage an on-grid solar PV system to meet your house load demand while
maximizing energy efficiency and cost savings.
Project results:
Discussion and observations:

In the initial stage of our procedure, we determined the size of our daily energy demand. This demand,
which amounted to 10.8 kWp. To calculate this value, we relied on the EWA data sheets, which provided
an average for the entire year. Additionally, I put the coordinates of my house, in bait al Quran area. To
gather the necessary data for our project, we accessed the Meteonorm database, which supplied
information such as solar irradiance and temperature fluctuations throughout the year.

Considering the tilt angle of 26 degree and the lack of shading in our project to maximize energy
production. Furthermore, we calculated the average yearly energy demand from EWA bill which is
around 18kwh/year which is not constant. The energy production of our PV system is 16kwh/year which
we got after considering full area of rooftop which is 60m^2 and all the detailed losses. We considered a
grid connected system to give extra energy to the grid and to take energy from grid in case of low energy
production from pv to meet the load.

The system configuration consists of 36 modules with 18 modules in each string with each unit of
300wp.And the inverter size of 9kW.

From the pv loss diagram we calculated the efficiency of system which is 81% considering all type of
losses including array losses, system and wiring losses etc.

The probability Distribution shows the annual production probability which is at most 16058 kWh and
P95 14853 kWh. Also, total saved carbon emission 268 tCO2 after 30 years.
Conclusion:
In summary, designing a solar PV system to meet household energy needs requires careful planning and
attention to detail. Utilizing PVsyst as a modeling and analysis tool helps optimize energy efficiency and
reduce costs.

After thorough examination, it was found that temperature, module array mismatch, and inverter
efficiency have the greatest impact on energy production. These losses can be reduced through proper
system design and maintenance practices, such as placing solar modules in wind-exposed areas, using
high-quality inverters, and regularly cleaning the modules.

Moreover, PVsyst's energy management features enable tracking energy consumption, monitoring
production, and optimizing system configuration to match specific energy demands. This allows for
identifying potential areas for energy savings and fine-tuning system performance for maximum
efficiency.
In conclusion, the results of this project highlight the importance of using PVsyst for modeling and
analyzing solar PV system performance. By carefully considering system design, analyzing detailed losses,
and implementing energy management strategies, it is possible to build a solar PV system that meets
household energy needs while minimizing costs and environmental impact.
References:
1- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b-5KeNTPK2s&t=187s
2- https://www.pvsyst.com/

3- https://www.iea.org/reports/renewables-2020