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Masking of photovoltaic system performance problems by inverter clipping and other design and operational practices

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  • Balfour, John
  • Hill, Roger
  • Walker, Andy
  • Robinson, Gerald
  • Gunda, Thushara
  • Desai, Jal

Abstract

This paper describes how performance problems can be “masked,” or not readily evident by several causes: by photovoltaic (PV) system configuration (such as the size of the PV array capacity relative to the size of the inverter and the resultant clipped operating mode); by instrumentation design, installation, and maintenance (such as a misaligned or dirty pyranometer); by contract clauses (when operational availability is transformed to contractual availability, which excludes many factors); and by identified management and operational practices (such as reporting on a portfolio of plants rather than individually). A simple method based on a duration curve is introduced to overcome shortcomings of Performance Ratio based on nameplate capacity and Performance Index based on hourly simulation when quantifying masking effects, and inverter clipping and pyranometer soiling are presented as two examples of the new method. With a better understanding of the non-transparency of masking issues, stakeholders can better interpret performance data and deliver improved AC and DC plant conditions through PV system operation and maintenance (O&M) for improved performance, reduced O&M costs, and a more consistently delivered, and reduced, levelized cost of energy (LCOE).

Suggested Citation

  • 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).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:rensus:v:145:y:2021:i:c:s1364032121003555
    DOI: 10.1016/j.rser.2021.111067
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    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. 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.
    3. 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.
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    1. 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).

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