Solar photovoltaic power in the state of Kuwait

Solar photovoltaic technology is considered to be one of the most promising types of renewable energy technologies in the State of Kuwait, and has garnered global attention in recent years due to the growing energy demand and concerns over climate change. This paper provides an assessment of two elements regarding photovoltaic module functions: first, the local optimum tilt angle, and second, the annual power output of four photovoltaic modules of different types at the optimum tilt angle. The System Advisor Model [SAM] is utilized to perform computer simulation and analysis of the functionality of each of the modules. The data was collected hourly using solar radiation measurements at the Kuwait International Airport weather station (29°N, 47°E). Kuwait´s average solar intake is about 9-11 hours per day with an average daily solar insolation that can reach more than 7.0 kWh/m²/day. This potential solar energy technology can be applied for a capacity credit/factor in power generation, a potential economic returns, and environmental benefits for the country. Special attention has been placed on the amount of useful power produced by the photovoltaic systems, on the technology´s ability to handle the extreme weather conditions, particularly the high temperatures that occur in Kuwait, and on the effect of changing the tilt orientation on the systems´ performance. This study reveals the PV modules´ best performance across the determined parameters in a hot and harsh climate. The results can be generalized to similar climates and provide valuable technical data for the design conditions, installation and application of photovoltaic systems.