Meteorological Impact on Solar Energy Yield of a Utility-Scale PV Plant in the Algerian Sahara.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.22399/ijcesen.5361Keywords:
Photovoltaic, Solar radiation, Temperature, Renewable Energy, TamanrassetAbstract
This study evaluates the performance of a photovoltaic (PV) solar power plant located in Tamanrasset, southern Algeria, under the harsh climatic condition’s characteristic of the Sahara Desert. Tamanrasset occupies a strategic geographical position within the Sahara, benefiting from daily solar irradiation levels reaching up to 7.5 kWh/m², making it one of the world's richest regions in solar energy potential. The studied PV plant comprises more than 53,000 polycrystalline solar panels with a total installed capacity of 13 MW, distributed across 13 sub-fields of 1 MW each. The study relies on real-time measurement data collected from the plant over the period from December 2022 to December 2023, encompassing key parameters such as output power, ambient temperature, solar irradiance, wind speed, and relative humidity. Results revealed that peak energy production was recorded in March, reaching 1,929,340 kW, while the lowest production occurred in February. Monthly average solar irradiance ranged between 141.67 and 242.59 kW/m², peaking in May and June. The highest ambient temperatures were recorded in July and August, while relative humidity remained very low, averaging 23.98%, a condition that significantly enhances panel efficiency. Wind speeds were moderate, averaging between 5 and 12 m/s, contributing to a natural cooling effect on the panels. The researchers employed PV*SOL and PVGIS-SARAH2 simulation tools to validate experimental findings and compare them against modelled values, enabling a comprehensive assessment of the system's performance. The study concludes that Tamanrasset's desert climate constitutes a highly favorable environment for solar power generation, with elevated irradiance, low humidity, and moderate winds collectively improving PV efficiency and overall productivity.
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