The Long-term Operating Evaluation of the Grid Connected Photovoltaic System

The 50 kWp grid connected photovoltaic system which was installed at KEPRI site in 1999 has been operated more than 10 years. In order to acquire long term operation characteristics of medium size photovoltaic system, the operation test data related on power generation electricity and capacity factor of 50 kWp system, which have been collected since 1999, were analysed. From the analysing results, 57.7 MWh in annual power generation electricity of 50 kWp photovoltaic system in 1999 has been decreased 49.1 MWh in 2005 and reached 41.9 MWh in 2008. In addition to, the capacity factor of 50 kWp photovoltaic system also showed 13.2 % in 1999, 11.2% in 2005 and finally reached 9.6% in 2008. The operation test data showed a trend of decreasing of generation electricity and capacity factor during the 10 years operation time and we guessed that was caused by solar cell performance degradation and decreasing of PCS system efficiency.