Analysis of photovoltaic projects in a Mediterranean island

Abstract

The paper presents an analysis of the four grid-connected systems installed in Malta and monitored by the Institute for Energy Technology of the University of Malta. The systems have varying power ratings, orientation and tilts. Three systems had stationary solar modules, while the fourth one used an active tracking device. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the performance of different systems under the local weather conditions of a typical Mediterranean country. Comparison to other systems in EU countries was made and answers to frequently asked questions were found. The mean monthly Performance Ratio of the systems ranged between 0.51 and 0.80, while the final yield was reported to be between 2.76kWh/kWp/day and 3.61kWh/kWp/day. The final efficiency was also found to be between 5.1% and 7.1%. This compared favourably with results reported by European researchers such as in the Thermie Project. The inverters proved to be safe and did respond as expected during times of grid disturbance. In view of Malta’s new membership in the European Union, this study will be an essential tool to support future widespread applications of solar electric systems in Malta.