Open AccessSizing a 3 kWp Retrofitted Grid-Connected Photovoltaic System: a Case Study in Tropical Malaysia
Author(s) -
Hedzlin Zainuddin,
Farah Liyana Muhammad Khir,
NA Baharudin,
ZAbd Rahman
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
international journal of engineering and technology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2227-524X
DOI - 10.14419/ijet.v7i4.14.27720
Subject(s) - photovoltaic system , sizing , grid , computer science , environmental science , engineering , electrical engineering , geography , visual arts , art , geodesy
The work presents a tropical case study of sizing 3 kWp retrofitted grid-connected photovoltaic system (GCPV) installed in Klang, Malaysia. The sizing was based on customer’s budget requirement of RM 22, 500 and conducted through a designated mathematical approach. The mathematical approach involved technical aspects which aligns the voltage and current specifications of both PV array and inverter. Besides, this approach includes possible severe climatic condition of solar irradiance and ambient temperature variations. By implementing the sizing mathematical approach in this study, the final PV array configuration is 1 x 9 (1 parallel x 9 series). This study was also conducted to compare between the actual and the predicted energy yield to reflect customer satisfaction. Based on the result, the percentage differences are acceptable for February and March 2018. Interestingly, the percentage difference for January 2018 was over-predicted and the abnormality was suggested to be resulted from the inaccuracy of the Peak Sun Hour (PSH) estimation. In conclusion, this study is significant as an overview on the sizing and performance reliability of GCPV system in tropical Malaysia to meet up the customer satisfaction.