Real-time data-based performance analysis of a large-scale building applied PV system

Solar photovoltaic (PV) is one of the fastest-growing renewable technologies. Building applied photovoltaic systems can significantly help reduce the energy and environmental loads of buildings. This study analyzes the performance of a 425 kW building applied photovoltaic system by investigating important technical, economic, and environmental parameters. These analyses have been carried out with the help of year-long real-time performance data. The technical performance indicators examined in this study include direct current and alternating current power output, array yield, specific (final) yield, references yield, array losses, module and overall PV conversion efficiency, capacity factor, and performance ratio. The main strengths of the study include the large size of the BAPV system, and a comprehensive techno-economic and environmental analysis based upon real-time monitored data. The PV system has been found to annually produce 835.60 MWh and 814.88 MWh of DC and AC power output, respectively. The performance ratio varies from 74.03% in August to 84.62% in January with an annual figure of 78.09%. The annual capacity factor is determined to be 21.85%. For a project life of 25 years, the simple payback period and Net Present Value have been calculated to be 6.92 years and USD 866,565.24, respectively. Over the project lifetime, the savings of CO₂, CH₄ and N₂O are calculated to be 15,666 tons, 483.75 kg, and 83.25 kg respectively.