Analysis of the optimization of grid-connected PV plants

A grid-connected PhotoVoltaic plant is a system formed by the PV modules (connected in arrays), the inverter(s) and the protection systems (fuses, circuit breakers, etc.). Also energy meters are important for the economic valorization of the energy produced, self-consumed and sold to the grid. Depending on the resort where PV plant is located, different photovoltaic module technologies and inclinations and different inverter types may have quite a few impacts on the energy efficiency and production. The paper reports on a model describing the energetic and economic aspects of different PV technologies (m-Si, p-Si, a-Si and CIS) coupled to different inverter types in various Italian climates. The analysis reveals that the main parameter affecting the sizing is the inverter efficiency curve. The other parameters (PV module technology and inclination) seem to have less importance, but their influence is investigated in relation to the inverter size compared to the PV peak power.