Design and Mathematical Simulation for the Performance of 1 MWp Distributed Photovoltaic Plant in Baghdad City

Abstract

The aim of this work is to aid researchers and engineers in installing PV systems. A performance analysis of a 1 MWp grid-connected solar PV power plant was modeled for the Baghdad/Iraq site (latitude 33°14′ north and longitude 44°25′ east). From January 2020 until December 2020, the installed system was simulated using MATLAB. The results show that the maximum value of monthly tilted solar irradiation is 225.23 kWh/m 2 in August and the minimum value is 112.5 kWh/m 2 in November. The effects of temperature lead to a loss in the efficiency of the solar cell, and an increase in the level of solar radiation does not necessarily result in an increase in the power generated by a solar panel. We observe that the amounts of power and energy produced in March are higher than those produced in summer; thus, the maximum value of power (about 0.91 MW) was produced in March at solar noon, whereas the minimum value was about 0.09 MW at solar noon in May. To maximize the effectiveness of solar panels, a cooling system must be used, which can increase power output and solar panel lifespan despite the high temperatures in Iraq, especially in the summer.