Implementation of Grid-connected PV Plant in Remote Location in Sumbawa Island of Indonesia: Lesson Learned

The National Energy Policy (NEP) set 23% renewable energy target in the generation mix by 2025, where solar PV has identified as one of the feasible resources. There are many solar programs implemented in Indonesia. A large scale grid-connected solar PV (1 MW) project in Indonesia is analyzed in this study. The power plant is installed on Sumbawa island. The project is analyzed to investigate the performance of PV systems in a tropical climate. The performances were analyzed on project development, plants technical specification, energy production and performance index, and its current status. Data is collected through site visit and observations, documents review, and discussion with relevant stakeholders. PVSyst is used to simulate the potential of annual energy production and performance. Our audit found that the main components of the power plant are certified from reputable international organizations including Indonesian national standards. The simulation showed the power plant could generate 1,195 MWh annual energy with an average of 8% monthly variation which leads to an average performance index of 68.9%. Since the commissioning tests, the plant has not been operated. Consequently, no energy has been injected into the grid nor supplied to local load. Currently, the power plant is an inoperable condition due to non-technical problems. The problems are discussed, and a recommendation is presented in this paper.