Field Loss Accounted Design and Simulation of a Stand Alone Photovoltaic System

The performance of a photovoltaic system (PV) can be characterised by many parameters like latitude , ambient temperature, module temperature, long term degradation, irradiance , wind speed, wind direction, air gap between modules, dust, rainfall, corrosion, water vapour intrusion, humidity, mechanical load, salt mist, partial shading, summer-winter climate change, clearness of sky, ageing and component derating, panel orientation and shading, inverter sizing, accuracy of ratings, impact of actual operating conditions on equipment performance, equipment reliability and durability. The use of appropriate performance parameters facilitates the comparison of photovoltaic (PV) systems that may differ with respect to design, technology, or geographic location.Further electrical derating factors such as mismatch, component derating, wiring losses, circuit derating also causes reduced PV performance. The goal of a stand-alone system designer is to assure customer satisfaction by providing a welldesigned, durable system with a 20+ year life expectancy. This depends on sound design, specification and procurement of quality components, good engineering and installation practices. This paper describes the design of a stand alone PV system for the geographic location, Kolkata in India, with field loss considerations and the simulation of the system using PVsyst, a software package for the study, sizing, simulation and data analysis of a complete PV systems.