Performance Evaluation of On-Grid Solar Power Stations in a Office Building in the Climatic Conditions of Astrakhan Region

Abstract

Solar energy is developing rapidly all over the world. In the Russian Federation the development of solar energy has also been observed in the last 3 years. Mainly network solar power plants with a capacity of 10 to 60 MW are being built. In addition, despite the lack of state support for the development of small renewable energy, in recent years the owners of tourist bases, commercial and office buildings, small enterprises connected to the general power grid have shown increasing interest in grid power plants. In this study the forecast of the development of a small network solar station is carried out using Photovoltaic Geographical Information System program. Full-scale tests of the realized network solar station of 10,5 kW for power supply in the retail and office building showed high accuracy of the forecast of its operation. The average annual self-sufficiency ratio comprised 32%. The results of full-scale testing confirm the economic attractiveness of small grid power projects in the climatic conditions of Astrakhan region.