Neural Network Estimation of Microgrid Maximum Solar Power

The integration of photovoltaic (PV) generating stations in the power grids requires the amount of power available from the PV to be estimated for power systems planning on yearly basis and operation control on daily basis. To determine the PV station maximum output power, the PV panels must be placed at an optimal tilt angle to absorb maximum energy from the sun. This optimal tilt angle is a nonlinear function of the location, time of year, ground reflectivity and the clearness index of the atmosphere. This paper proposes a neural network (NN) to estimate the optimal tilt angle at a given location and thus an estimate of the amount of energy available from the PV in a microgrid.