Complex method for performance prediction of photovoltaic systems

Abstract

This paper shows a method for modelling photovoltaic (PV) systems, including different models for the solar cells, DC circuit and the inverter. The author created a Matlab simulation based on these models, enabling to perform various calculations. Predicting the amount of energy produced by PV systems has a great impact on the accurate calculation of financial return of investment. Furthermore the more accurate estimation of produced energy promotes the system integration of small-scale PV generators by enabling to schedule their production. The different analyses shown in this paper helps to understand the operation characteristics and the most important design considerations of these small-scale solar plants.