As the world transitions towards sustainable energy sources, photovoltaic (PV) systems have emerged as a leading solution for harnessing solar energy. To maximize their efficiency and output, a deep understanding of performance modelling is essential.

The British Academy for Training and Development designed this course, which provides a comprehensive exploration of the methodologies and tools used to model the performance of photovoltaic systems. Participants will learn to predict energy yield, analyze system behavior under varying conditions, and optimize designs for enhanced performance. By mastering these concepts, professionals will be better equipped to contribute to the advancement of solar energy technologies.

Who Should Attend?

• Engineers and technicians involved in the design, installation, and maintenance of photovoltaic systems.
• Energy analysts and consultants responsible for assessing the viability and performance of solar projects.
• Researchers and students studying renewable energy technologies.

Knowledge and Benefits:

After completing the program, participants will be able to master the following:

• The fundamental principles of photovoltaic technology and energy conversion.
• Various performance modelling techniques to predict energy yield.
• Factors affecting the performance of PV systems and identify optimization opportunities.
• Apply software tools for performance simulation and modeling of photovoltaic systems.
• Interpret modelling results to make informed decisions on system design and implementation.
• Assess the impact of environmental conditions on PV system performance.

• Overview of Solar Energy
  • Importance of solar energy in the global energy landscape.
  • The potential of photovoltaic systems in reducing carbon emissions.
  • Role of solar energy in energy transition strategies.
• Photovoltaic Cells and Modules
  • Different types of PV cells: monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and thin-film.
  • Construction and operation of solar panels.
  • Efficiencies of various PV technologies.
• Energy Conversion Principles
  • Photovoltaic effect and its role in energy conversion.
  • Role of semiconductor materials in PV performance.
  • Factors that affect the efficiency of energy conversion.
• Static vs. Dynamic Modelling
  • Differentiate between static and dynamic performance models.
  • Understand when to use each type of model in practice.
  • Benefits and limitations of both modelling approaches.
• Mathematical Modelling Approaches
  • Common mathematical models used to predict energy yield.
  • Single-diode and double-diode models.
  • Significance of the I-V curve in performance analysis.
• Simulation Software Overview
  • Popular software tools for performance modelling, such as PVsyst and SAM.
  • Functionalities of each tool and their appropriate applications.
  • How to choose the right software for specific modelling needs.
• Temperature Effects
  • Impact of temperature on PV efficiency and output.
  • Temperature coefficients and their importance in modelling.
  • Strategies to mitigate temperature-related performance losses.
• Irradiance Levels
  • Role of solar irradiance in energy generation.
  • Different measurement techniques for solar irradiance.
  • The influence of seasonal and geographical variations on irradiance.
• Angle of Incidence
  • How the angle of sunlight affects energy capture.
  • Strategies for optimizing tilt angles and tracking systems.
  • Importance of shading analysis in performance evaluation.
• Site Assessment
  • Conduct site assessments for solar resource availability.
  • Shading analysis and its impact on system design.
  • Importance of geographical data in performance modelling.
• Array Configuration
  • Different array configurations and their impact on performance.
  • Benefits of fixed vs. tracking systems.
  • Role of module orientation in optimizing energy output.
• Component Selection
  • Importance of selecting appropriate inverters and batteries.
  • Impact of component efficiency on overall system performance.
  • Compatibility considerations among system components.
• Simulation Methodologies
  • Methodologies for simulating PV system performance.
  • Significance of input parameters in simulations.
  • Validation techniques for simulation accuracy.
• Interpreting Simulation Results
  • How to analyze and interpret simulation outputs.
  • Key performance indicators (KPIs) for PV systems.
  • Common pitfalls in interpreting simulation data.
• Sensitivity Analysis
  • Techniques for conducting sensitivity analyses on input variables.
  • Importance of identifying critical parameters.
  • How to use sensitivity analysis results for optimization.
• Importance of Performance Monitoring
  • The significance of continuous performance monitoring.
  • How monitoring helps in identifying potential issues.
  • Role of real-time data in system management.
• Data Acquisition Systems
  • Components and functionality of data acquisition systems.
  • Types of data collected for performance assessment.
  • How data visualization aids in decision-making.
• Maintenance Strategies
  • Best practices for routine maintenance of PV systems.
  • Importance of cleaning and inspection for performance.
  • How to establish a maintenance schedule based on monitoring data.
• Artificial Intelligence in Performance Modelling
  • Integration of AI and machine learning in optimizing PV system performance.
  • How AI can enhance predictive analytics for energy yield.
  • Data-driven models and their applications in solar forecasting.
• Stochastic Modelling Approaches
  • Stochastic methods for accounting for uncertainty in solar resource availability.
  • Monte Carlo simulations and their applications in performance assessment.
  • How to incorporate variability in input parameters for more accurate predictions.
• Hybrid Systems Modelling
  • Modelling of hybrid renewable energy systems, including solar and storage.
  • The complexities involved in integrating multiple energy sources.
  • Benefits and challenges of hybrid system performance analysis.
• Cost-Benefit Analysis of PV Systems
  • Components of cost-benefit analysis in the context of solar projects.
  • Financial metrics used to evaluate PV system viability, including NPV and IRR.
  • Importance of economic feasibility studies in project planning.
• Incentives and Financial Models
  • Available incentives for solar energy projects, such as tax credits and rebates.
  • Financing options for PV systems, including loans and power purchase agreements (PPAs).
  • How to create financial models to assess the economic impact of different financing strategies.
• LCOE and Financial Performance Metrics
  • Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) and its significance in comparing energy sources.
  • Other key financial performance metrics relevant to PV projects.
  • Methods for optimizing LCOE through effective performance modelling and system design.