Energy Yield Estimation of a PV Power Plant

An independent power producer turned to TÜV Rheinland to conduct a feasibility study on its 50 MW DC solar power plant in Karnataka, India.

Basic Facts
Client	Independent Power Producer in India
Time frame	2018
Project location	Guddadur village, Karnataka, India
Main Services	Energy yield prediction Energy yield estimation

Initial situation and requirements

The Dubai local energy utility, DEWA (Dubai Electricity and Water Authority) is moving toward renewable energies as the primary source of power for the region.

The goal is to establish 1 GW of photovoltaics and more than 700 MW of concentrated solar power in the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park.

The project requires strong research and development support, and to this end DEWA enlisted the help of TÜV Rheinland to create a test hub in the desert. Part of which is focused on carrying out measurements, such as energy yield - PV , to ensure the viability of the modules.

Solutions, results

Our experts led a small consortium to develop, install and commission the measurement systems and technologies required for the project.

We supplied the hard- and software for the precise benchmarking of more than 128 PV modules from a variety of testing angles. In addition to the engineering and measurement tasks, our team carried out training, maintenance and calibration services to enable DEWA to meet its goals.

Did you know?

Uncertainty in energy prediction is challenging to quantify as it is a function of many independent factors. Solar radiation is one of the core parameters which contributes to the uncertainty of measurements. Meteonorm data was used in this project to determine the energy yield calculation, which in turn was derived from a synthetic weather data generator. The irradiance uncertainty was based on the Meteonorm website. The table below shows the uncertainty parameters considered for our calculations:

1. Meteonorm 4.5 (Uncertainty (%))

2. Module performance 1.0 (Uncertainty (%))

3. Soiling Mismatch 1.0 (Uncertainty (%))

4. Degradation uncertainty 1.0 (Uncertainty (%))

Total uncertainty= √ 4.5²+1²+1²+1² = 4.8%

Benefits for the client

As specialists in solar power, we provide:
Over 35 years of accumulated knowledge and experience in the field
Access to cutting-edge technologies and topnotch solar power experts
Global capacity, delivering reliable services worldwide

About TÜV Rheinland

Founded 145 years ago, TÜV Rheinland is a global leader in independent inspection services, ensuring quality and safety for people, the environment and technology in nearly all aspects of life.

We inspect technical equipment, products and services, oversee projects and help to shape processes for companies around the world. Since 2006, we have been a member of the United Nations Global Compact to promote sustainability and combat corruption.

TÜV Rheinland is a world leader in testing and supply chain management services for the solar industry. With over 35 years of experience, we offer testing and certification of PV modules and components, supply chain management, and independent engineering for PV power plants.