Solar Power Plants

Solar Power Plants use thermal energy from the sun. Thermal energy is further converted into electrical energy using photovoltaic panels. Solar panels also collect light energy from the sun and convert it into electrical energy that feeds the grid.

The most common solar power plant is the conventional photovoltaic (PV) option. This type of power plant is considered a renewable option because the sun is a clean, renewable, abundant and cheap source of energy.

The panel modules are usually oriented towards the equator and the tilt angle is slightly lower than the latitude of the site. Different tilt angles can be investigated to find the optimum power generation. Once thermal energy is collected, solar panels convert it into direct current (DC) electricity.

Normally, solar power plants are installed over large open areas and solar power plants are built that generate significant amounts of electricity.

The performance of solar power plants is a function of climatic conditions as well as the quality of the equipment used in the system.

In addition, locations with higher sunlight provide higher electricity production. The efficiency of solar energy systems also varies according to the type of panel used. This conversion efficiency is critical as it affects the overall efficiency of the system. Other system losses include losses between the DC output and the AC input.

The financial performance of the solar system is the impact of its revenue and costs. When it comes to the costs associated with this type of energy production, operation and maintenance costs are also taken into account.

It is very important to have the maintenance and thermographic inspection of solar power plants done on time. MapperX software, developed by our expert team of engineers and software developers, utilizes the power of image processing and machine learning technologies, data and analysis to detect faults in solar power plants with 99% accuracy. In addition, MapperX also detects malfunctions according to the temperature data of the panels after performing world-class examinations of digital fields with image processing techniques.  MapperX software adds value to the investments made and offers solutions to the problems that prevent the production of the plants.

What is Photovoltaic (PV) Technology and How Does It Work?

PV converts sunlight into electrical energy. A single PV device is known as a cell. A single PV cell is usually small and typically produces about 1 or 2 watts of power. These cells are made of different semiconductor materials. To withstand the outdoors for many years, the cells are sandwiched between protective materials in a combination of glass and/or plastic.

To increase the power output of PV cells, they are linked together in chains to form larger units known as modules or panels. Modules can be used individually or several can be joined together to form arrays. PV systems can be built to meet almost any electrical energy need, small or large.

PV modules and arrays are only one part of a PV system. Systems also include components that take the direct current (DC) electricity generated by the modules and convert it into alternating current (AC) electricity, which is used to power all appliances, as well as mounting structures that orient the panels toward the sun. How Solar Panels Work, you can review our article.

Which Factors Affect Solar PV System Efficiency?

Environmental factors such as temperature, pollution and shading as well as losses in electrical components can affect the efficiency of the PV system.

Temperature

Solar panel efficiency varies with temperature. High temperatures negatively affect performance.

Contamination

Material deposited on the surface of PV panels can reduce the power produced by preventing light from reaching the solar panels. Power loss due to contamination is highly variable depending on the type of contamination (such as dust or snow) and the frequency of cleaning times.

Shading

Shading is the blocking of radiation by surrounding trees, buildings, terrain and other objects. The effect of shading on the power output of a solar installation is highly variable.

Inverter Efficiency

Converting DC to AC through an inverter is typically about 96-97% efficient. In fact, inverters typically have higher efficiency when the DC input power is high. Conversion efficiency decreases when the input power is much less than the rated power of the inverter.