Performance analysis of the first photovoltaic grid-connected system in Algeria

This paper presents an experimental performance analysis based on results attained from monitoring a 9.5 kWp photovoltaic grid-connected for 3 years; from 2016 to 2018. This system is composed of three 3.2 kWp sub-systems installed on the flat roof of the Renewable Energy Development Institute (CDER) in Algeria. This plant covers electricity needs required by the lab and feeds the excess into the low voltage supply grid. This study assesses the monthly average and annual performance normalized parameters of the PV system by analyzing and evaluating reference yield, array yield, final yield, system losses, array losses, PV module efficiency, system efficiency, inverter efficiency, and performance ratio of the whole system as well as the three sub-systems by following the IEC 61724 guideline. Results show that the annual average, reference yield, array yield, and final yield, are 4.67, 3.50, 3.37 h/day respectively. While the array and system losses are 1.16 and 0.13 kWh/kWp/day respectively. Moreover, the PV module efficiency, system efficiency, inverter efficiency are 8.62%, 8.29%, and 96% respectively. These results show that the system is below acceptable performance ratio rates and thus an inspection of the system must be conducted in order to diagnose the reasons behind the system's low productivity. Our study has found that the main attributes contributing to decreased PV outputs are near shading and type of used inverter (i.e.: Transformerless Inverter). However, the system's performance is still considered satisfactory given it has been functioning for more than 14 years while achieving a performance ratio equivalent to 70%, concluding that the PV grid-connected investment is very promising in this site.