Yazd university photovoltaic power plant simulation and comparing result's validity with empirical data and presenting efficiency-increasing strategies

In this study we try to work on simulation of photovoltaic power plant with a focus on solar energy. For establishing a photovoltaic power plant, first there is a need for reliable software which can be used for estimating financial costs and annual production. Among existing softwares PVsyst and Sunny Design are two reliable softwares which their reliability is confirmed by comparing a case study of Yazd University photovoltaic power plant with the experimental data recorded at the power plant site. Input data for these softwares are gathered from plant location's geographical information and technical features of the equipments installed in the plant. After simulation step, output of both softwares are a collection of tables and graphs which demonstrate the hourly, monthly, and yearly energy produced of panels per square meter, system efficiency, energy production dispersion, system losses, and etc. In this study two methods for increasing power produced by the plant are suggested. One is putting the system on tracking mode in which a considerable increase in energy production can be seen from software's results. The other method is cleaning the surface of the cells, results of which are shown by designing an experiment on panels and comparing the results with experimental data. In the end, the data achieved from these two softwares are compared with the experimental data recorded from the plant itself.