Contents

1.1 Problem Statement ................................................................................................................ 3

1.2. Renewable Energy Resources .............................................................................................. 4

1.3. Solar Energy ......................................................................................................................... 5

1.3.1 Types of Solar Energy Systems ...................................................................................... 5

1.4. Objectives ............................................................................................................................. 6

2.1 Geographical location of the site ........................................................................................... 8

2.2 Direction of Solar Panels ................................................................................................... 9

2.3 PV Array Characteristics ..................................................................................................... 10

2.3.1 PV Module.................................................................................................................... 10

2.3.2 Inverter.......................................................................................................................... 11

2.3.3 Array Losses ................................................................................................................. 12

2.4 Performance Calculation ..................................................................................................... 13

3.1 Normalized Productions ...................................................................................................... 15

3.1.1 Yf (Produced Useful Energy – Inverter Output) .......................................................... 15

3.1.2 Lc (Collection Loss – PV Array Losses) ...................................................................... 17

3.1.3. Ls (System Loss - Inverter and Other Losses) ............................................................ 17

3.2 Performance Ratio ........................................................................................................... 18

Final Energy Production ........................................................................................................ 19

Table of Figures
Figure 1: Monthly Site Data ........................................................................................................... 9
Figure 2: Direction of Solar Panels ............................................................................................... 10
Figure 3: PV Module .................................................................................................................... 10
Figure 4: Inverter Characteristics ................................................................................................. 11
Figure 5: IAM Loss Factor ........................................................................................................... 12
Figure 6: Normalized production .................................................................................................. 16
Figure 7: Performance ratio per month ........................................................................................ 18
Figure 8: Sankey diagram for losses all year ................................................................................ 19
DESIGN AND PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS OF A 10 kVA GRID-
CONNECTED SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEM USING
PVSYST

1.1 Problem Statement

The growing demand for electricity in Pakistan, coupled with rising energy costs and frequent
power shortages, has increased the need for reliable and sustainable energy solutions. Solar
photovoltaic (PV) systems offer a promising alternative; however, their performance is highly
dependent on-site conditions, system design, orientation, shading effects, and component
efficiencies. Therefore, it is essential to evaluate the expected energy production and identify
system losses before implementation.

This project focuses on the simulation and performance assessment of a 10.2 kWp grid-connected
solar photovoltaic system using PVsyst software for the Shalimar Seven-Four region of Pakistan.
The system is designed with a fixed tilt angle of 23.9°, consisting of 30 PV modules and a 10 kW
inverter. The simulation aims to determine whether the proposed configuration can provide
efficient electricity generation while meeting household energy requirements and maximizing
solar utilization.

The simulation predicts an annual energy production of approximately 16,328 kWh, with a specific
yield of 1,601 kWh/kWp/year and a performance ratio (PR) of 80.06%, indicating good overall
system efficiency. However, losses due to soiling, temperature effects, module mismatch,
degradation, wiring, and inverter operation reduce the available energy output. In addition, only a
portion of the generated energy is directly consumed by the user, while the remaining surplus is
exported to the grid.

Therefore, the main problem addressed in this study is to evaluate the technical performance and
energy yield of a 10.2 kWp grid-connected solar PV system under local climatic conditions,
quantify the impact of various system losses, and determine its ability to satisfy residential
electricity demand while improving energy efficiency and reducing dependence on conventional
grid electricity. This assessment provides valuable information for optimizing system design and
supporting the adoption of renewable energy solutions in Pakistan.
1.2. Renewable Energy Resources

Renewable Energy Resources (RER) are naturally replenishing sources of energy such as solar,
wind, hydro, biomass, and geothermal energy. These resources provide a sustainable and
environmentally friendly alternative to conventional fossil fuels. The increasing adoption of
renewable energy technologies helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve energy security,
and support sustainable economic development. Since renewable resources are continuously
renewed by nature, they are considered essential for meeting future energy demands while
protecting the environment.

Advantages of Renewable Energy

• Environmentally friendly and produces little pollution.

• Reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
• Sustainable and inexhaustible.
• Reduces dependence on fossil fuels.
• Creates employment opportunities in the energy sector.

Disadvantages of Renewable Energy

• High initial installation cost.

• Some sources depend on weather conditions (solar and wind).
• Energy storage systems may be required.
• Large land areas may be needed for some projects.

Importance of Renewable Energy

Renewable energy plays a vital role in meeting the world's growing energy demand while
reducing environmental pollution and combating climate change. It is considered a key solution
for achieving sustainable development and energy security.
1.3. Solar Energy

Solar energy is the energy obtained from the Sun's radiation. It is one of the most abundant and
widely used renewable energy resources. Solar energy can be converted into electricity using solar
panels or used directly for heating and lighting purposes.

Working Principle

Solar panels consist of photovoltaic (PV) cells made from semiconductor materials such as silicon.
When sunlight strikes the PV cells, electrons are released, creating an electric current. This
phenomenon is known as the photovoltaic effect.

Main Components of a Solar PV System

1. Solar Panels (PV Modules) – Convert sunlight into DC electricity.

2. Inverter – Converts DC electricity into AC electricity for household use.
3. Battery Bank (Optional) – Stores excess energy for later use.
4. Charge Controller – Regulates battery charging in stand-alone systems.
5. Electrical Loads – Appliances that consume electricity.

1.3.1 Types of Solar Energy Systems

1. Grid-Connected System

• Connected to the utility grid.

• Excess electricity can be exported to the grid.
• Most common for homes and commercial buildings.

2. Stand-Alone (Off-Grid) System

• Operates independently of the utility grid.

• Requires batteries for energy storage.
• Suitable for remote locations.

3. Hybrid System

• Combines grid connection and battery storage.

 • Provides backup power during grid outages.

Advantages of Solar Energy

• Renewable and inexhaustible source of energy.

• Environmentally friendly with no direct emissions.
• Reduces electricity bills.
• Low operating and maintenance costs.
• Suitable for residential, commercial, and industrial applications.

Disadvantages of Solar Energy

• High initial installation cost.

• Electricity generation depends on sunlight availability.
• Performance decreases during cloudy weather.
• Requires energy storage or grid connection for nighttime use.

Applications of Solar Energy

• Residential rooftop systems.

• Street lighting.
• Water pumping.
• Industrial power generation.
• Telecommunications and remote monitoring systems.

1.4. Objectives

• To design and simulate a 10.2 kWp grid-connected solar PV system using PVsyst software
based on the geographical and climatic conditions of the selected site.
• To estimate the annual energy production and specific yield of the PV system and evaluate
its capability to generate electricity efficiently throughout the year.
• To evaluate the overall performance of the system by analyzing key performance indicators
such as the Performance Ratio (PR), solar fraction, and energy output.
• To identify and quantify the major system losses, including losses due to temperature,
soiling, shading, module mismatch, wiring, degradation, and inverter efficiency, and assess
their impact on overall performance.
• To analyze the energy flow between the PV system, household load, and utility grid,
including self-consumption, grid injection, and grid import, in order to evaluate the
effectiveness of the grid-connected configuration.
• To assess the environmental benefits of the proposed system by estimating its potential
reduction in carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions compared with conventional electricity
generation.
• To provide recommendations for improving the performance and reliability of residential
solar PV systems and encourage the adoption of renewable energy technologies in Pakistan
based on the simulation findings.
 Chapter 2: Methodology

2.1 Geographical location of the site

The selected site for the photovoltaic (PV) system simulation is Shalimar Seven-Four,
Pakistan, which is located at a latitude of 33.7231° North and a longitude of 73.0656° East,
with an elevation of 576 meters above sea level. The site operates in the UTC+5 time zone.
These geographical coordinates are important because they directly influence the amount of solar
radiation received, the optimal tilt angle of the PV panels, and the overall energy generation
potential of the system.

The PV array is installed on a fixed plane with a tilt angle of 23.9° facing south (azimuth 0°),
which is selected to maximize annual solar energy capture under the local climatic conditions.
The simulation uses Meteonorm 9.0 synthetic weather data with an albedo value of 0.20,
providing representative solar irradiation and meteorological information for long-term
performance analysis.

The location experiences favorable solar resources, with an annual global horizontal irradiation
of approximately 1,761 kWh/m² and an incident irradiation on the collector plane of about
1,999.5 kWh/m². These conditions make the site well suited for solar photovoltaic power
generation and contribute to the high expected annual energy production of the 10.2 kWp system
 Figure 1: Monthly Site Data

2.2 Direction of Solar Panels

According to the PVsyst simulation data, the solar photovoltaic (PV) panels are installed on a fixed
mounting structure with a tilt angle of 23.9° and an azimuth angle of 0°. An azimuth of 0° in
PVsyst indicates that the panels are oriented due south, which is the preferred direction for fixed
PV installations in the Northern Hemisphere, including Pakistan. This orientation allows the panels
to receive the maximum possible solar radiation over the course of the year, resulting in higher
energy production.

The selected 23.9° tilt angle is close to the site's latitude (33.7231° N) and is chosen to optimize
annual energy capture by balancing seasonal variations in the sun's position. A south-facing
orientation combined with this tilt helps maximize incident solar irradiance on the collector surface
and improves the overall performance of the PV system
 Figure 2: Direction of Solar Panels

2.3 PV Array Characteristics

2.3.1 PV Module

The photovoltaic (PV) array used in this simulation has a total installed capacity of 10.20 kWp
and is designed to convert solar energy into electrical power efficiently under the climatic
conditions of Shalimar Seven-Four, Pakistan. The array consists of 30 generic STP-340-A60-
Wnh PV modules, each having a rated power of 340 Wp under Standard Test Conditions (STC).
The modules are arranged as 3 strings with 10 modules connected in series, providing the
required voltage and current for the inverter.

Figure 3: PV Module
2.3.2 Inverter

The PV array is connected to one generic SH-10-RT inverter with a nominal AC power rating
of 10.0 kW. The inverter operates over a voltage range of 200–950 V, making it compatible with
the designed PV array. The DC-to-AC power ratio is 1.02, meaning the PV array capacity is
slightly larger than the inverter rating, which is a common design practice to maximize energy
production without significant clipping losses.

Figure 4: Inverter Characteristics

2.3.3 Array Losses

Following are the losses considered for 10kwp solar system:

Parameters Details
Array soiling Losses
Loss Fraction 2.0%
Module Temperature according to irradiance
Uc (const) 29.0W/m2K
Uv (wind) 0W/m2K/m/s
Wiring losses
Global array res 177mΩ
Loss Fraction 1.5% at STC
Module Quality Loss
Loss Fraction -0.75%
Module mismatch losses
Loss Fraction 2.00% at MPP
Module average degradation
Year no 10
Loss factor 0.4%/year
Imp / Vmp contributions 80% / 20%
Mismatch due to degradation
Imp RMS dispersion 0.4 %/year
Vmp RMS dispersion 0.4 %/year

IAM Loss Factor

Figure 5: IAM Loss Factor

2.4 Performance Calculation

Peak Sun Hours (PSH)

Global Incident Irradiance = 2057.1KWh m2/year
1761KWh m2/year
PSH =
365 𝑑𝑎𝑦𝑠
PSH = 4.82 KWh/m2/day
4.82 KWh/m2/day
PSH =
1 (KW/m2)

PSH = 4.82 h/day

Annual Energy Production (AEP)
Annual Energy Production (AEP) = 16,328 kWh/year
Performance Ratio (PR)

The Performance Ratio is given by:

𝑌f
PR= 𝑋100
𝑌𝑟

𝐴𝑛𝑛𝑢𝑎𝑙 𝐸𝑛𝑒𝑟𝑔𝑦 𝑂𝑢𝑡𝑝𝑢𝑡

Yf = Final Yield =
𝐼𝑛𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑑 𝑃𝑉 𝐶𝑎𝑝𝑎𝑐𝑖𝑡𝑦

Annual Plane−of−Array Irradiation

Yr = Reference Yield =
1000

Calculate Final Yield (Yf)

Annual Energy Output = 16,328 kWh/year

Installed Capacity = 10.20 kWp

16328
Yf =
10.20

Yf = 1600.78 kWh/kWp/year

Calculate Reference Yield (Yr)

Global incident irradiation on collector plane (GlobInc) = 1999.5 kWh/m²/year

1999.5
Yr =
1000
Yr = 1999.5 kWh/kWp/year

Calculate Performance Ratio

𝟏𝟔𝟎𝟎.𝟕𝟖
PR = ×100
1999.5

PR = 80.06%

Final Calculation Summary

Parameter Value
Annual Energy Output 16,328 kWh/year
Installed Capacity 10.20 kWp
Final Yield ((Y_f)) 1,600.78 kWh/kWp/year
Reference Yield ((Y_r)) 1,999.5 kWh/kWp/year
Performance Ratio (PR) 80.06%
 Chapter 3: Results and Discusions
3.1 Normalized Productions

In Fig. , the normalized production of the 10.2 kWp grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) system
is presented in terms of the energy generated per unit of installed capacity. The normalized
production, also known as the specific yield (Yf), represents the useful electrical energy delivered
by the PV system after accounting for all system losses. According to the PVsyst simulation, the
system achieves an annual specific production of 1601 kWh/kWp/year, indicating efficient
utilization of the available solar resource.

3.1.1 Yf (Produced Useful Energy – Inverter Output)

This parameter represents the final useful energy produced by the PV system and delivered
from the inverter output after considering losses due to temperature, soiling, module mismatch,
wiring, and inverter efficiency. The monthly energy production follows the seasonal variation in
solar irradiance.

The highest normalized production is observed during April and May, with strong performance
continuing through March, June, and October. These months receive higher solar irradiation and
favorable weather conditions, allowing the PV system to generate more electricity. In contrast,
December, January, and February show comparatively lower energy production because of
shorter daylight hours, lower solar angles, and reduced solar irradiance during the winter season.
Despite these seasonal variations, the system maintains consistent performance throughout the
year, resulting in an annual specific yield of 1601 kWh/kWp/year.
 Figure 6: Normalized production

The monthly produced energy at the inverter output is approximately:

• January: 1,195 kWh

• February: 1,135 kWh
• March: 1,485 kWh
• April: 1,612 kWh
• May: 1,704 kWh (highest)
• June: 1,589 kWh
• July: 1,394 kWh
• August: 1,297 kWh
• September: 1,399 kWh
• October: 1,472 kWh
• November: 1,205 kWh
• December: 1,167 kWh
3.1.2 Lc (Collection Loss – PV Array Losses)

This is represented by the purple sections stacked above the red bars in the normalized
production graph. It indicates the losses occurring within the PV array before the energy
reaches the inverter. These losses are mainly caused by temperature effects, soiling (dust
accumulation), module mismatch, shading, incidence angle modifier (IAM), wiring
resistance, and module degradation.

The collection losses remain relatively consistent throughout the year; however, they become
slightly higher during the hot summer months of May, June, July, and August. This increase
is primarily due to elevated module temperatures, which reduce the efficiency of the solar panels.
According to the PVsyst loss analysis, temperature losses account for approximately 6.81%,
making them the largest contributor to collection losses. Additional losses include soiling (2.00%),
module mismatch (3.09%), incidence angle modifier (2.56%), DC wiring (1.02%), and near
shading (0.76%), all of which reduce the amount of energy available from the PV array before
conversion by the inverter.

Despite these unavoidable losses, the PV array continues to generate sufficient energy throughout
the year, demonstrating that the system design effectively utilizes the available solar resource
while maintaining reliable performance under varying environmental conditions.

3.1.3. Ls (System Loss - Inverter and Other Losses)

This is represented by the light blue sections stacked above the collection losses in the
normalized production graph. It shows the losses occurring after the PV array and during the
conversion of DC electricity into AC electricity by the inverter, along with other system-related
losses.

The system losses are relatively small and remain nearly constant throughout the year,
indicating efficient inverter performance. According to the PVsyst simulation, the inverter
operational loss is only 1.95%, while there are no losses due to inverter overloading, maximum
input current, voltage limits, power thresholds, or night consumption. This demonstrates that
the inverter is appropriately sized for the 10.2 kWp PV array and operates within its optimal
efficiency range.
These losses have only a minor impact on the overall energy output compared with PV array losses.
After accounting for the inverter losses, the system delivers 16,328 kWh/year of usable AC energy
from the 16,654 kWh/year produced by the PV array at the maximum power point (MPP). The
low system losses contribute to the high Performance Ratio (PR) of 80.06%, reflecting the
efficient operation and reliable performance of the grid-connected PV system.

3.2 Performance Ratio

It measures the efficiency of a solar power plant by comparing its actual energy output to its theoretical
maximum output under ideal conditions. In simpler terms, it shows how well the plant is performing
relative to its potential.
𝑨𝒄𝒕𝒖𝒂𝒍 𝑬𝒐𝒖𝒕
PR =
𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒐𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒍 𝑬𝒐𝒖𝒕

The graph in Fig 7 presents the PR values for each month of the year. The ideal PR is 1.0,
meaning the plant is operating at its maximum potential. Any value below 1 indicates losses due
to various factors/losses as mentioned in chapter II. The average PR of the 10kwp solar system
is 0.802 for the entire year, meaning the plant produced 80.06% of its theoretically possible
energy.

Figure 7: Performance ratio per month

Final Energy Production

Figure 8: Sankey diagram for losses all year