Investigating the performance impact of solar panels; a sample application in Izmir province with the PVsyst program

Abstract

In this study, a grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) solar energy system was designed for Izmir, one of Türkiye's regions with high solar energy potential, using PVsyst simulation software. The design was based on local solar radiation data, estimated electricity consumption, and the selection of suitable PV modules and inverters. Izmir receives approximately 2,737 hours of sunshine annually, and the average global solar irradiance is 1,620 kWh/m² per year, making it highly suitable for solar energy applications. The proposed system targets residential or small commercial users with an annual energy demand of approximately 6,000 kWh. A 6.3 kWp grid-connected PV system was found to be sufficient to meet this demand. The system includes high-efficiency monocrystalline panels, a series of inverters with 97% efficiency, and protective components that comply with grid standards. Installation angles were optimized according to Izmir's geographical characteristics to maximize output power. The economic feasibility analysis estimates the total installation cost at $6,500-7,000. Return on investment (ROI) is expected within 4 to 6 years, depending on electricity tariffs and net metering policies. In addition to the economic benefits, the system also contributes to reducing carbon emissions and fossil fuel dependency. This study highlights Izmir's strong potential for solar energy generation through grid-connected systems, demonstrating that such installations offer both environmental and financial advantages and could serve as a practical reference source for future renewable energy projects in the region.

Keywords

• Solar energy
• Fossil fuels
• On grid systems

Kaynakça

1. [1] IRENA. Renewable Energy Statistics 2020. International Renewable Energy Agency, 2020.
2. [2] Gunerhan H, Hepbasli A, Giresunlu U. Environmental impacts from the solar energy systems. Energy Sources, Part A: Recovery, Utilization, and Environmental Effects 2009; 31(2): 131–138.
3. [3] Kalogirou SA. Solar thermal collectors and applications. Progress in Energy and Combustion Science 2004; 30(3): 231–295.
4. [4] Akyürek H. Türkiye'de güneş enerjisi potansiyeli ve bölgesel dağılımı. Yenilenebilir Enerji Dergisi 2017; 3(2): 45–59.
5. [5] Bilgili M, Şen Z. Güneş enerjisi sistemlerinin çevresel etkileri. Güneş ve Enerji Dergisi 2019; 5(4): 56–67.
6. [6] Demirtaş M. Fotovoltaik sistem tasarımı ve performans analizi. Ankara: Güneş Enerjisi Yayınları, 2015.
7. [7] Şahin AD. Türkiye’nin güneş enerjisi potansiyeli ve gelecek projeksiyonları. Enerji Teknolojileri Dergisi 2016; 2(1): 14–23.
8. [8] Kaya D, Bilgen S. Yenilenebilir enerji kaynakları ve Türkiye’nin enerji politikaları. Enerji Politikaları Dergisi 2012; 6(1): 21–30.

9. [9] Akbulut U, Aytekin A. Türkiye’de lisanssız güneş enerjisi yatırımlarının gelişimi. Enerji ve Çevre Araştırmaları Dergisi 2018; 9(1): 33–42.
10. [10] PVsyst SA. PVsyst kullanıcı kılavuzu – Fotovoltaik sistem simülasyonu yazılımı. PVsyst SA, 2021.
11. [11] Ravi Kumar CS, Rajoria A, Sharma A, Suhag S. Design and simulation of standalone solar PV system using PVsyst software: A case study. Materials Today: Proceedings 2021; 46(11): 5322–5328.
12. [12] Chandel SS, Agarwal T, Mathur S. Review of cooling techniques used for photovoltaic panels. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 2015; 15(6): 3134–3139.
13. [13] T.C. Enerji ve Tabii Kaynaklar Bakanlığı. Yenilenebilir enerji kaynakları destekleme mekanizması (YEKDEM). Ankara: ETKB, 2023.
14. [14] Mutlu A. Güneş enerji santrallerinde verimliliği etkileyen faktörler. Yenilenebilir Enerji Sistemleri Dergisi 2020; 7(3): 122–131.
15. [15] REN21. Renewables 2023 Global Status Report. Renewable Energy Policy Network for the 21st Century, 2023.
16. [16] Duffie JA, Beckman WA. Solar engineering of thermal processes. 4th ed. Wiley, 2013.
17. [17] IEA. Solar Energy: Global Market Outlook. International Energy Agency, 2021.
18. [18] Uyanık C, Kılıç M. PV sistemlerinde performans analiz yöntemleri: Karşılaştırmalı bir inceleme. Güneş Enerjisi Teknolojileri Dergisi 2021; 4(2): 88–97.
19. [19] Pros and Cons of Off Grid, Grid Tie and Hybrid PV Systems. 2018.
20. [20] Çiftçi S, Solak M, Kuncan M. Powered by the sun: designing and analyzing technical and economic aspects of a school sustained by photovoltaics. Journal of Mechatronics and Artificial Intelligence in Engineering 2020; 1(1): 21–32.