Performance analysis of a grid-connected photovoltaic system

Grid-connected photovoltaic systems are required to introduce photovoltaic solar energy into urban areas. To analyze these systems, a 2.0 kWp power system has been installed at the University of Málaga, Spain. The array power output was estimated by using measured I–V curves for the installed modules with minimization of mismatch losses. The supplied grid energy and main performances are described. The effects on system yield of threshold-inverter and coupling losses of the inverter to the grid have been studied. During 1997, the system supplied 2678 kWh to the grid, i.e. the mean daily output, was 7.4 kWh. The annual performance ratio was 64.5% and the optimal value 67.9%.