Title: Some findings of survey on rooftop solar photovoltaic power plants

Authors: Jatin A. Shah; Shrikant D. Londhe

Addresses: Mechanical Engineering Department, Government College of Engineering, Amravati, Maharashtra, 444604, India ' Mechanical Engineering Department, Government College of Engineering, Amravati, Maharashtra, 444604, India

Abstract: In the recent times, the rooftop solar photovoltaic power plants have become quite popular. This paper presents relevant findings of the survey of solar power plants carried out in and around Amravati, a district place in the Vidarbha region of Maharashtra State in India. Seventeen different plants were visited time and time again over the year and data related to installation, commissioning, operation, maintenance and monthly billing by the electricity distribution company is collected. Findings are presented in the form of systematic studies to clearly bring out a picture about power generated by rooftop solar power plants. The effect of dust and proper cleaning on the performance is examined. The detailed study on the payback period is made and important observations with regard to the capacity of plant, the incentives claimed and the actual consumption of user is included.

Keywords: solar photovoltaic systems; rooftop solar power plant; solar power generation; net metering; payback period; conversion efficiency.

DOI: 10.1504/IJRET.2021.116610

International Journal of Renewable Energy Technology, 2021 Vol.12 No.3, pp.243 - 258

Received: 09 Apr 2020
Accepted: 08 Jan 2021
Published online: 28 Jul 2021 *

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