LYNX Sustainable Solutions’ Post

The Solar Plant Performance Ratio Measure The Performance Ratio is a measure of the quality of a PV plant that is independent of location, and it therefore often described as a quality factor. The performance ratio (PR) is stated as percent (%) and describes the relationship between the actual and theoretical energy outputs of the PV plant as described in the below formula. The closer the performance ratio value determined for a PV plant approaches 100 %, the more efficiently the respective PV plant is operating. The following specific values are needed to calculate the Performance Ratio (PR): 1- Analysis Period: The optimum analysis period for calculating the performance ratio is 1 year. 2- Measured Average Solar Irradiation (kWh/m^2): To calculate the irradiation value for 1 year, for example, you first have to calculate the monthly averages. To do this: - Add the daily average values for a given month. - Divide this amount determined by the number of days in the month, which gives you the monthly average value. In this way you can calculate the monthly average values for all 12 months of the year. To calculate the annual average value, you simply add the 12 monthly averages and divide the total by the number of months, i.e. 12. 3- Area of the PV plant: You can calculate the total area of the PV system by looking at the dimensions of your selected module. 4-Efficiency of the PV modules: You can obtain the efficiency of your PV plant from the data sheet of the PV module. 5-Actually measured plant output :You can read this value from your power export meter at the end of year. In real life, a value of 100 % cannot be achieved, as unavoidable losses always arise with the operation of the PV plant (e.g. thermal loss due to heating of the PV modules). High-performance PV plants can however reach a performance ratio of up to 80 %.

important topic

The Solar Plant Performance Ratio Measure is a valuable tool for assessing the efficiency of photovoltaic systems. It offers a standardized metric independent of location, accounting for factors like solar irradiation, system area, and module efficiency. By including actual measured plant output, it provides a realistic assessment of performance. While 100% efficiency is unattainable due to inevitable losses, aiming for a high performance ratio helps optimize PV system efficiency.

Understanding the Temperature-Corrected Performance Ratio (PR) is crucial in assessing the efficiency of photovoltaic solar power plants. By adjusting for temperature variations that impact the modules' efficiency, accurate analysis is achieved. This correction is vital as module efficiency decreases above the standard temperature conditions. Here's why temperature correction is essential: - Accuracy in Analysis: Calculating PR without considering temperature can result in misleading outcomes, particularly on hot days, leading to inaccurate performance assessments. - Financial Implications: Accurate metrics are imperative for investors to evaluate ROI. Failing to consider thermal correction can lead to overly optimistic projections with significant financial repercussions. - Reducing EPC Warranty Risk: EPC companies face contractual risks based on PR. Accurate temperature correction helps mitigate damages due to low performance caused by temperature variations. The temperature-corrected PR formula involves key parameters like energy output, nominal power, irradiation levels, and reference irradiation, with the correction factor being crucial in the calculation process. Understanding and applying the formula for Temperature-Corrected PR is not just a technicality but a fundamental aspect impacting the financial viability and operational success of solar power projects. #SolarEnergy #RenewableEnergy #EnergyEfficiency

Managing the spare parts in a PV system is a critical aspect of ensuring operational efficiency, especially considering that equipment is not immune to failure. Predicting these failures remains a challenge, given their random nature, but assessing the frequency of equipment failures involves various factors such as equipment quality, operating conditions, natural degradation, and the human factor. In the realm of photovoltaic (PV) plants, damages can be categorized into two groups: - those that do not result in energy losses, - those that lead to energy losses. While repairs or replacements for the former can be scheduled when time and resources permit, the latter demands immediate attention. Downtime and the lack of spare parts in such cases translate to generation losses, ultimately affecting income. Balancing the need for spare parts with the risk of unnecessary expenditures is paramount. The Poisson distribution emerges as a valuable tool in estimating the probability of failures, aiding in finding a practical equilibrium between expediency and resource utilization. Spare Parts Management is integral to Operations and Maintenance (O&M) strategies, ensuring the timely availability of spare parts for both Preventive and Corrective Maintenance to minimize downtime in solar PV power plants. As best practice, the spare parts should be owned by the Asset Owner while normally maintenance, storage and replenishment should be the responsibility of the O&M service provider. It is considered a best practice not to include the cost of replenishment of spare parts in the O&M fixed fee. However, if the Asset Owner requires the O&M service provider to bear replenishment costs, the more cost-effective approach is to agree which are "Included Spare Parts" and which are "Excluded Spare Parts". These Guidelines also include a minimum list of spare parts that are considered essential. For more information and requests you can reach us,, - Email: Aqatawneh@aqelectric.net - Mobile: +201151006630 +962795154126 #renewableenergy #solarpower #sustainable #pvsolar #testing #commissioning #technicalservices #consultation #testing #performance #operationandmaintenance

Every year I get excited for the kWh Analytics Solar Risk Assessment report, and year-after-year it never disappoints. In particular, I try to pay attention to the Operational Risk section and what new insights are emerging around solar inverters. Again, never disappointed. The highlight (lowlight?) for me this year = 59% of energy losses are attributed to solar inverter issues. From the article on page 17: "The analysis of O&M logs revealed that the most frequent cause of corrective maintenance issues, or maintenance in response to a significant loss event were inverters (51%), followed by DC distribution equipment (including, but not limited to: connectors, combiners, wiring) (21%)." Not new news to those in-industry, especially in the O&M space. Houston, we still have an inverter problem 😞 #inverter #health #issues

MAINTENANCE The maintenance of photovoltaic parks is essential to ensure their efficiency and long-term operation. The maintenance and post-warranty service phase is often the most neglected by investors, especially in small photovoltaic parks with installed capacities below 1 MWp. This neglect leads to serious financial consequences and can have a lasting negative impact on the long-term operation of the plants. Types of maintenance can be divided into three main categories: Scheduled, Emergency, and Preventive. Scheduled maintenance ensures a long operational life for your photovoltaic system and reduces post-warranty maintenance costs when performed correctly. Preventive maintenance is conducted at least once a year and includes inspecting the structure, all electrical connections, strings, cables, transformers, and more. It also involves testing inverters according to the manufacturer's guidelines and other specific tests. Emergency maintenance involves the repair or replacement of damaged components within the photovoltaic system, such as defective panels, damaged cables, or inverters. Rapid response in emergency maintenance is crucial for the proper functioning of the photovoltaic system and to avoid serious financial consequences. At GES Energy, we have several field teams that can cover any point in the country within hours to resolve any arising issues. If you have a photovoltaic power plant and want it to operate smoothly for the next 30 years, contact us to receive a personalized maintenance offer. For a personalized quote: Email: v.nelkovski@ges-bg.com, Vladimir Nelkovski Phone: +359 (0) 883 545 433 https://lnkd.in/dtEABr8z #maintenance #PV #preventive #scheduled #emergency #GESenergy

Solar Power installation for industries

In the solar industry, the quality of racking systems is crucial for the structural integrity and longevity of PV projects. However, common defects can derail these systems, compromising efficiency, safety, and lifespan. How can we ensure the highest standards in solar racking? 👉 Rigorous Quality Assurance: Implement comprehensive quality control protocols throughout production and installation. 👉 Third-Party Inspections: Regular testing and verification of every component by independent bodies. 👉 Supplier Audits: Choose suppliers with a proven quality track record and thoroughly assess their facilities. 👉 Advanced Testing Methods: Utilize metallographic and ingress protection testing to detect defects early. By prioritizing quality at every step, from material preparation to final assembly, we can protect solar investments and support the broader adoption of renewable energy. To discover more about ensuring the reliability and longevity of solar racking systems, check out the full article by our colleagues Jörg Althaus and Dutt Du for pv magazine Global.👇🏽 #SolarEnergy #QualityAssurance #Sustainability #CleanEnergyAssociates #SolarRacking #RenewableEnergy #PVProjects #SolarSuccess #EngineeringExcellence

While this technical paper has been published for some time now, concentrated solar power (CSP) needs to be re-looked as a viable long term energy system that can plug the LCOE gap that photovoltaic solar is unable to do so for the foreseeable future. Figure 1(b) shows the ideal and maximal efficiency at various receiver (CSP) temperatures. While higher concentrated values correspond to better cycle efficiency, the associated capital cost of flow piping & thermal distribution can easily offset the gains in locations where irradiation exposure profile is less than the optimal yield for a typical CSP plant. The crucial operational parameter for managing this irradiation exposure can be seen in Fig. 3, while the component that would need to be carefully watched is illustrated in Fig. 5(b). Comparative illustration of Fig 7 (b) to Fig. 1(b) shows why higher temperatures does not equal to better LCOE. Table II detailing cycle, plant efficiency relative to maximum operating temperature of the selected thermal coolant (or heat transfer fluid) for CSP further gives credence to the capital cost associated with the piping and storage materials that will accommodate the respective efficiency gain at any targeted CSP receiver temperature. The 5M Renewables RAMBO CSP captures thermal energy to deliver a low cost CSP plant using off-the-shelf proven third party components that gives competitive low priced electricity without the need for high CSP receiver temperatures or costly molten salt piping and tank components. With a technology production program for domestic manufacturing packaged into RAMBO, this guarantees domestic design, manufacturing & production capability for the future. 5M Renewables. Making solar, sensible. #innovation #technology #sustainability #solar