Performance analysis of 45.36 kWp grid-connected photovoltaic systems at Malaysia Green Technology Corporation

This paper presents the performance of a 45.36 kWp grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) system at Malaysia Green Technology Corporation (MGTC), Bangi, Malaysia. The site is located at latitude of approximately 2.96°N and longitude of 101.75°E. The system was commissioned on 14^th June 2007 and the system performance has been monitored since 1^st Feb 2008. The system comprises 45.36 kWp of PV array size, a 40 kW inverter and other balance of system (BOS) components. An irradiance sensor and two temperature sensors are connected externally to the system via the inverter to obtain the irradiance, ambient temperature and module temperature profiles at the site. In contrast, other performance data such as AC current AC voltage, DC current and DC voltage are recorded from the inverter. During the monitoring period, all data were recorded based on 15 minute interval. The system had produced 787.25 MWh of solar electricity since its being monitored with an average daily output of 144 kWh. On the other hand, the inverter efficiency has been fluctuating from 86% to 97%. The average monthly final yield was found to be 96 kWhkWp^-1 while the performance ratio (PR) varies from 71.37% to 91.99%.