Thermal Effects on the Energy, Economic, and Environmental Performance of Rooftop Photovoltaic Systems in Composite Climate Conditions: A Case Study

Abstract

In India, the installation of rooftop PV plants is rapidly growing among domestic and commercial users. To assist such users, the present study covers a detailed one-year performance study of a 100 kWp PV plant in the composite climate of central India. Additionally, mathematical models are also developed for finding the impact of higher PV cell temperature on PV plant performance as measured under IEC 61724 standard, along with emphasis on CO₂ mitigation, energy metrics, and the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE). The system is performing well, as indicated by annual average final yield of 4.04 kWh/kWp/day, a system efficiency of 10.33%, and a performance ratio of 76.77%. A rise in the average temperature of PV cell by 13.17 °C results in an annual energy loss of 10.21 MWh and a reduction in CO₂ mitigation of 16,139.08 kg/year. The PV plant is efficient in terms of embodied energy; still, energy metrics parameters might be improved further by reducing the high temperature loss of PV cell (EPBT: 5.1 to 4.6 years, EPF: 4.9 to 5.4, LCCE: 12.55 to 13.8%). The findings also demonstrate that the LCOE increased from 4.65 to 5.01 (Rs/unit) as a result of the high PV cell temperature.

Graphical Abstract