IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/eee/appene/v177y2016icp475-486.html
   My bibliography  Save this article

Impact of inverter loading ratio on solar photovoltaic system performance

Author

Listed:
  • Good, Jeremy
  • Johnson, Jeremiah X.

Abstract

Due to decreasing solar module prices, some solar developers are increasing their projects’ inverter loading ratio (ILR), defined as the ratio of DC module capacity to AC inverter capacity. In this study, we examine the operational impacts of this trend. Using minute-level solar data, we examine the relationship between inverter induced clipping losses and AC generation. We find minimal clipping losses at an ILR of 1.25; at an ILR of 2.0, we observe that 16% of potential annual generation is lost. Minute-level data prove to be essential in determining the generation lost to clipping, as hourly data mask key clipping and ramping events. Higher ILRs lead to a greater frequency of time spent at maximum generation, but also a greater frequency and magnitude of large solar ramping events. Module degradation can attenuate the impacts of inverter clipping over time. We observe that the effective degradation rate (net of any changes to inverter clipping losses) can be as little as half the actual degradation rate for projects with high ILRs. The diurnal and seasonal trends in clipping correspond with solar insolation patterns, with the highest clipping occurring around noon. For fixed tilt installations with tilt angles at latitude, we observe the highest clipping near the autumnal and vernal equinoxes. Increasing the tilt angle leads to more winter clipping, while lower tilt angles shifts the clipping to summer months. Shifting from fixed tilt to north–south single axis tracking increases the generation lost to clipping significantly. At an ILR of 1.25, annual clipping approximately doubles to 1% compared to fixed tilt at latitude, while clipping under an ILR of 2.0 increases to 22%, compared to 16% for the fixed configuration. As expected, more clipping occurs during the hours preceding and following noon when using single axis tracking.

Suggested Citation

  • Good, Jeremy & Johnson, Jeremiah X., 2016. "Impact of inverter loading ratio on solar photovoltaic system performance," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 177(C), pages 475-486.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:appene:v:177:y:2016:i:c:p:475-486
    DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2016.05.134
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0306261916307395
    Download Restriction: Full text for ScienceDirect subscribers only
    File URL: https://libkey.io/10.1016/j.apenergy.2016.05.134?utm_source=ideas
    LibKey link: if access is restricted and if your library uses this service, LibKey will redirect you to where you can use your library subscription to access this item
    ---><---

    As the access to this document is restricted, you may want to search for a different version of it.

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Mondol, Jayanta Deb & Yohanis, Yigzaw G & Norton, Brian, 2009. "Optimising the economic viability of grid-connected photovoltaic systems," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 86(7-8), pages 985-999, July.
    2. Ratnam, Elizabeth L. & Weller, Steven R. & Kellett, Christopher M., 2015. "An optimization-based approach to scheduling residential battery storage with solar PV: Assessing customer benefit," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 75(C), pages 123-134.
    3. Camps, Xavier & Velasco, Guillermo & de la Hoz, Jordi & Martín, Helena, 2015. "Contribution to the PV-to-inverter sizing ratio determination using a custom flexible experimental setup," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 149(C), pages 35-45.
    4. Rowlands, Ian H. & Kemery, Briana Paige & Beausoleil-Morrison, Ian, 2011. "Optimal solar-PV tilt angle and azimuth: An Ontario (Canada) case-study," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 39(3), pages 1397-1409, March.
    5. Notton, G. & Lazarov, V. & Stoyanov, L., 2010. "Optimal sizing of a grid-connected PV system for various PV module technologies and inclinations, inverter efficiency characteristics and locations," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 35(2), pages 541-554.
    6. Khatib, Tamer & Mohamed, Azah & Sopian, K., 2013. "A review of photovoltaic systems size optimization techniques," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 22(C), pages 454-465.
    7. He, Fanbo & Zhao, Zhengming & Yuan, Liqiang, 2012. "Impact of inverter configuration on energy cost of grid-connected photovoltaic systems," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 41(C), pages 328-335.
    8. Denholm, Paul & Margolis, Robert M., 2007. "Evaluating the limits of solar photovoltaics (PV) in electric power systems utilizing energy storage and other enabling technologies," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 35(9), pages 4424-4433, September.
    9. Denholm, Paul & Margolis, Robert M., 2007. "Evaluating the limits of solar photovoltaics (PV) in traditional electric power systems," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 35(5), pages 2852-2861, May.
    10. Roberto S. Faranda & Hossein Hafezi & Sonia Leva & Marco Mussetta & Emanuele Ogliari, 2015. "The Optimum PV Plant for a Given Solar DC/AC Converter," Energies, MDPI, vol. 8(6), pages 1-18, May.
    11. Nofuentes, G. & Almonacid, G., 1998. "An approach to the selection of the inverter for architecturally integrated photovoltaic grid-connected systems," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 15(1), pages 487-490.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Citations

    Citations are extracted by the CitEc Project, subscribe to its RSS feed for this item.
    as


    Cited by:

    1. Evangelos S. Chatzistylianos & Georgios N. Psarros & Stavros A. Papathanassiou, 2024. "Export Constraints Applicable to Renewable Generation to Enhance Grid Hosting Capacity," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(11), pages 1-30, May.
    2. Schleifer, Anna H. & Murphy, Caitlin A. & Cole, Wesley J. & Denholm, Paul, 2022. "Exploring the design space of PV-plus-battery system configurations under evolving grid conditions," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 308(C).
    3. DiOrio, Nicholas & Denholm, Paul & Hobbs, William B., 2020. "A model for evaluating the configuration and dispatch of PV plus battery power plants," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 262(C).
    4. Nicolás Müller & Samir Kouro & Pericle Zanchetta & Patrick Wheeler & Gustavo Bittner & Francesco Girardi, 2019. "Energy Storage Sizing Strategy for Grid-Tied PV Plants under Power Clipping Limitations," Energies, MDPI, vol. 12(9), pages 1-17, May.
    5. Kim, James Hyungkwan & Mills, Andrew D. & Wiser, Ryan & Bolinger, Mark & Gorman, Will & Crespo Montañes, Cristina & O'Shaughnessy, Eric, 2021. "Project developer options to enhance the value of solar electricity as solar and storage penetrations increase," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 304(C).
    6. Dácil Díaz-Bello & Carlos Vargas-Salgado & Jesus Águila-León & Fabián Lara-Vargas, 2023. "Methodology to Estimate the Impact of the DC to AC Power Ratio, Azimuth, and Slope on Clipping Losses of Solar Photovoltaic Inverters: Application to a PV System Located in Valencia Spain," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(3), pages 1-25, February.
    7. Cavadini, Giovan Battista & Cook, Lauren M., 2021. "Green and cool roof choices integrated into rooftop solar energy modelling," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 296(C).
    8. Micheli, Leonardo & Muller, Matthew & Theristis, Marios & Smestad, Greg P. & Almonacid, Florencia & Fernández, Eduardo F., 2024. "Quantifying the impact of inverter clipping on photovoltaic performance and soiling losses," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 225(C).

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Camps, Xavier & Velasco, Guillermo & de la Hoz, Jordi & Martín, Helena, 2015. "Contribution to the PV-to-inverter sizing ratio determination using a custom flexible experimental setup," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 149(C), pages 35-45.
    2. Wang, H.X. & Muñoz-García, M.A. & Moreda, G.P. & Alonso-García, M.C., 2018. "Optimum inverter sizing of grid-connected photovoltaic systems based on energetic and economic considerations," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 118(C), pages 709-717.
    3. Orioli, Aldo & Di Gangi, Alessandra, 2015. "The recent change in the Italian policies for photovoltaics: Effects on the payback period and levelized cost of electricity of grid-connected photovoltaic systems installed in urban contexts," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 93(P2), pages 1989-2005.
    4. Tekai Eddine Khalil Zidane & Mohd Rafi Adzman & Mohammad Faridun Naim Tajuddin & Samila Mat Zali & Ali Durusu & Saad Mekhilef, 2020. "Optimal Design of Photovoltaic Power Plant Using Hybrid Optimisation: A Case of South Algeria," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(11), pages 1-28, June.
    5. Janko, Samantha A. & Arnold, Michael R. & Johnson, Nathan G., 2016. "Implications of high-penetration renewables for ratepayers and utilities in the residential solar photovoltaic (PV) market," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 180(C), pages 37-51.
    6. Khezri, Rahmat & Mahmoudi, Amin & Aki, Hirohisa, 2022. "Optimal planning of solar photovoltaic and battery storage systems for grid-connected residential sector: Review, challenges and new perspectives," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 153(C).
    7. Richardson, David B. & Harvey, L.D.D., 2015. "Strategies for correlating solar PV array production with electricity demand," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 76(C), pages 432-440.
    8. Sabo, Mahmoud Lurwan & Mariun, Norman & Hizam, Hashim & Mohd Radzi, Mohd Amran & Zakaria, Azmi, 2017. "Spatial matching of large-scale grid-connected photovoltaic power generation with utility demand in Peninsular Malaysia," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 191(C), pages 663-688.
    9. Aste, Niccolò & Del Pero, Claudio & Leonforte, Fabrizio & Manfren, Massimiliano, 2013. "A simplified model for the estimation of energy production of PV systems," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 59(C), pages 503-512.
    10. Rawat, Rahul & Kaushik, S.C. & Lamba, Ravita, 2016. "A review on modeling, design methodology and size optimization of photovoltaic based water pumping, standalone and grid connected system," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 57(C), pages 1506-1519.
    11. Solomon, A.A. & Faiman, D. & Meron, G., 2012. "Appropriate storage for high-penetration grid-connected photovoltaic plants," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 40(C), pages 335-344.
    12. Byuk-Keun Jo & Gilsoo Jang, 2019. "An Evaluation of the Effect on the Expansion of Photovoltaic Power Generation According to Renewable Energy Certificates on Energy Storage Systems: A Case Study of the Korean Renewable Energy Market," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(16), pages 1-17, August.
    13. Solomon, A.A. & Faiman, D. & Meron, G., 2012. "The role of conventional power plants in a grid fed mainly by PV and storage, and the largest shadow capacity requirement," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 48(C), pages 479-486.
    14. Narayan, Nishant & Chamseddine, Ali & Vega-Garita, Victor & Qin, Zian & Popovic-Gerber, Jelena & Bauer, Pavol & Zeman, Miroslav, 2019. "Exploring the boundaries of Solar Home Systems (SHS) for off-grid electrification: Optimal SHS sizing for the multi-tier framework for household electricity access," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 240(C), pages 907-917.
    15. Solomon, A.A. & Kammen, Daniel M. & Callaway, D., 2016. "Investigating the impact of wind–solar complementarities on energy storage requirement and the corresponding supply reliability criteria," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 168(C), pages 130-145.
    16. Kendel, Adnane & Lazaric, Nathalie & Maréchal, Kevin, 2017. "What do people ‘learn by looking’ at direct feedback on their energy consumption? Results of a field study in Southern France," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 108(C), pages 593-605.
    17. Breyer, Christian & Birkner, Christian & Meiss, Jan & Goldschmidt, Jan Christoph & Riede, Moritz, 2013. "A top-down analysis: Determining photovoltaics R&D investments from patent analysis and R&D headcount," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 62(C), pages 1570-1580.
    18. Song, Tangnyu & Huang, Guohe & Zhou, Xiong & Wang, Xiuquan, 2018. "An inexact two-stage fractional energy systems planning model," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 160(C), pages 275-289.
    19. Allik, Alo & Märss, Maido & Uiga, Jaanus & Annuk, Andres, 2016. "Optimization of the inverter size for grid-connected residential wind energy systems with peak shaving," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 99(C), pages 1116-1125.
    20. Balfour, John & Hill, Roger & Walker, Andy & Robinson, Gerald & Gunda, Thushara & Desai, Jal, 2021. "Masking of photovoltaic system performance problems by inverter clipping and other design and operational practices," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 145(C).

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:eee:appene:v:177:y:2016:i:c:p:475-486. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: Catherine Liu (email available below). General contact details of provider: http://www.elsevier.com/wps/find/journaldescription.cws_home/405891/description#description .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.