Performance and economic analysis of a 27 kW grid-connected photovoltaic system in Suriname

Amrita Raghoebarsing*, Anand Kalpoe

*Corresponding author for this work

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

    25 Citations (Scopus)
    15 Downloads (Pure)

    Abstract

    The performance of a grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) system, under the Surinamese weather conditions, is monitored and reported. A measurement and data-logging system provides inputs for the calculation of selected standard key performance indicators (KPI). Calculated KPI's are compared to expected values obtained from modelling the system using the PVSyst software. In addition, results from selected comparable studies are also used to compare the computed KPI's. Using one year data, the annual energy yield (Eac) totalled 37 MWh. This value is 6% higher than the one obtained from the modelling software. The calculated performance ratio (PR) and capacity factor (CF) of 74.5 and 15.5%, respectively, are also higher than the ones obtained from PVSyst. The difference can be attributed to the irradiance data (satellite data, monthly averages) used for input in the PVSyst software. The above mentioned calculated values for the PR and CF compared favourably with internationally reported values for systems located in regions with similar weather patterns. Using a total investment cost of 109,000 USD the levelised cost of energy (LCOE) calculated with the RETScreen software equals USD 0.36 /kWh. This LCOE is three times the current energy price in Suriname.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)1545-1554
    Number of pages10
    JournalIET Renewable Power Generation
    Volume11
    Issue number12
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 18 Oct 2017

    Keywords

    • n/a OA procedure

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics of 'Performance and economic analysis of a 27 kW grid-connected photovoltaic system in Suriname'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    Cite this