Performance Metrics Analysis Tool for Solar Energy Plants

Abstract

With the rise of grid connected independent power producers (IPP), performance analysis of energy generation plants becomes an essential task. This chapter presents design and development of a performance analysis tool using MS Excel for typical IPP with a grid connected solar PV plant. The tool utilizes historical data to determine various energy-metrics, econometrics, and financial metrics. Additionally, the tool can determine various key parameters such as the energy sales to the utility, energy that cannot be sold, and the load that cannot be served. The tool will have the capability of capturing data, doing calculations, and visualizing the data and output from calculations through plots and graphs.