مقارنة أداء برنامجي PVSyst و PV*SOL في تصميم وتحليل أنظمة الطاقة الكهروضوئية المستقلة

Abstract

Given the importance of utilizing alternative energy sources, especially solar energy, for electricity generation, several software tools have been developed to simulate photovoltaic (PV) systems. These tools are employed by researchers, engineers, and investors for purposes such as solar power plant design, feasibility studies, and technical and economic analyses, aiming to avoid system oversizing and ensure reliability.

In this study, a 5 kW standalone solar power system was designed and simulated. Specialized software was utilized for system simulation and the selection of suitable components, with a comparison of the results obtained from different software. Two programs, PVsyst and PV*SOL, were employed in this study. PVsyst is one of the most popular tools for analyzing solar systems due to its ability to simulate performance and assess the financial and environmental benefits of solar projects. On the other hand, PV*SOL is known for providing a 3D visualization of solar systems, which enables more precise analysis of system performance.

When analyzing the performance of solar energy systems using the PV*SOL and PVsyst software, significant differences in the results were observed, which could influence decisions related to the design and operation of these systems. The results indicated that the total annual energy generated using PV*SOL reached 2023 kWh, with a Performance Ratio (PR) of 87.08%. In comparison, the total annual energy generated using PVsyst was 2077.91 kWh, with a PR of 73.79%. These findings highlight the variations between the two programs in terms of calculation methodologies and criteria used to evaluate the performance of solar systems. This underscores the importance of selecting the appropriate tool to achieve accurate results that enhance both the efficiency of design and system operation.