Maximizing Annual Energy Yield in a Grid-Connected PV Solar Power Plant: Analysis of Seasonal Tilt Angle and Solar Tracking Strategies

Hameedullah Zaheb (), Habibullah Amiry, Mikaeel Ahmadi (), Habibullah Fedayi, Sajida Amiry and Atsushi Yona
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Hameedullah Zaheb: Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of the Ryukyus, 1 Senbaru, Okinawa 903-0213, Japan
Habibullah Amiry: Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Department, Da Afghanistan Breshna Sherkat (DABS), Kabul 1009, Afghanistan
Mikaeel Ahmadi: Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of the Ryukyus, 1 Senbaru, Okinawa 903-0213, Japan
Habibullah Fedayi: Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of the Ryukyus, 1 Senbaru, Okinawa 903-0213, Japan
Sajida Amiry: Department of Energy Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Kabul University, Kabul 1006, Afghanistan
Atsushi Yona: Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of the Ryukyus, 1 Senbaru, Okinawa 903-0213, Japan

Sustainability, 2023, vol. 15, issue 14, 1-20

Abstract: Harnessing the abundant solar resources holds great potential for sustainable energy generation. This research paper delves into a comprehensive analysis of seasonal tilt and solar tracking strategy scenarios for a 15 MW grid-connected PV solar power plant situated in Kandahar province, Afghanistan. The study investigates the impact of fixed tilt, seasonal tilt, SAHST (single-axis horizontal solar tracking), and SAVST (single-axis vertical solar tracking) on energy yield, considering technical, economic, and environmental aspects. In the first scenario, a fixed tilt angle of 31 degrees was employed. The second scenario explored the use of seasonal tilt angles, with a summer tilt angle of 15 degrees and a winter tilt angle of 30 degrees. The third scenario analyzed SAHST. Finally, the fourth scenario focused on implementing SAVST. SAVST proved to be an exceptional solution, showcasing a remarkable increase in annual energy yield, and generating an additional 6680 MWh/year, 6336 MWh/year, and 5084 MWh/year compared to fixed, seasonal, and SAHST scenarios, respectively. As a result, surplus energy yielded an income of USD 554,440.00 per year compared to fixed tilt. However, the investment cost for the solar tracking system amounted to USD 1,451,932, accompanied by an annual operation and maintenance cost of 0.007 USD/W/year. The analysis revealed a promising payback period of 3 years, confirming the economic feasibility of this investment. The findings underscore the effectiveness of different strategies for optimizing solar power generation in the Kandahar region. Notably, the installation of SAVST emerged as an influential solution, significantly increasing power production. These research outcomes bear practical implications for solar tracking strategies for addressing the load challenges faced by Kandahar province and offer valuable insights for the operators and operation of solar power plants in similar regions.

Keywords: sustainable energy; sustainable development; energy yield; grid-connected PV; seasonal tilt; solar tracking; energy resilience; solar power generation; economic feasibility (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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