PERFORMANCE OF 4KWp GRID-CONNECTED PHOTOVOLTAIC (GCPV) SYSTEM USING MICRO-INVERTER TECHNOLOGY FOR RESIDENTIAL APPLICATION
Keywords:
Micro-inverter, specific yield (SY), performance ratio (PR), photovoltaic systems, Grid-ConnectedAbstract
Even though the cost of a grid-connected photovoltaic (GCPV) system has decreased significantly as a
result of widespread commercial acceptance, current technologies are continually improved to reduce
cost and increase efficiency. By contrast, relatively recent technologies such as maximizers and micro
inverters seek to encourage new techniques of solar energy production at a reasonable cost. While
micro-inverters are gaining popularity in the solar industry, industry claims of improved system
performance remain unproven. Third-party validation is critical for assessing the efficiency of micro
inverter technology. The objective of this research is to analyze the service provider's reported yearly
availability performance for a 4kWp residential grid-connected photovoltaic (GCPV) system with
micro-inverter technology located in Shah Alam, Malaysia, as well as gauging the owner's satisfaction
with the system. The actual data for the years 2017, 2019, and 2020 were analyzed to determine the
annual specific yield (SYmea) and performance ratio (PRmea). The results show that the actual annual
SYmea varies between 1,144 kWh kWp-1 and 1,196 kWh kWp-1, while the PRmea for the system ranges
from 0.729 to 0.762. This research presents actual data to support the conclusion that the system is
underperforming, resulting in a dissatisfied system owner since the PRmea for 2019 and 2020 falls short
of the GCPV PR requirement as announced by Sustainable Energy Development Authority (SEDA)
Malaysia.
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