Performance analysis and investigations of grid-connected Solar Power Park in Kurnool, South India.

The Government of India had initially aimed at an installed capacity of 20 GW solar PV power generation by 2022. However, India has 29.41 GW of solar photovoltaic (PV) plants as of now, which shows that the target is achieved three years ahead of schedule. Kurnool solar power park is one of the largest solar parks in India, receiving an excellent average solar radiation of 5.5–6.0 kWh/m². As part of this project, a 50 MW solar photovoltaic system has been installed at Kurnool. This paper determines the performance parameters for analysis. The system was monitored from April 2018 to March 2019. The performance ratio varied between 75% and 83%, giving an annual average performance ratio of 79.94%. The capacity utilization factor varied between 18.90% and 29.34%, giving an annual average capacity utilization factor of 24.65%. The gain of modules with single-axis tracking system is compared with the fixed-tilt angle system. It is found that the single-axis tracking system improves the performance of the plant. • Different performance parameters assessed based on the IEC 61724 standards. • Effect of Solar irradiation and temperature on Power generation is analysed. • Results highlight the importance of the single axis tracking system in solar power parks for improving the performance. • Improved performance of single axis tracking system confirmed by metrics obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]