Performance analysis of solar power plant at Harran University

This study evaluates the performance of the 5.31 MW capacity solar power plant (SPP) at Harran University between the years 2021 and 2023, taking into account the effects of environmental factors. The analyses were conducted in accordance with the IEC 61724 standard of the International Energy Agency, with a detailed examination of the impact of factors such as solar irradiance, temperature, and wind speed on the plant's efficiency. The findings show that the plant's annual average Performance Ratio (PR) is %88.41, indicating a high overall performance. It was observed that while the increased temperatures during summer negatively affected the efficiency of photovoltaic (PV) panels, the efficiency increased during winter despite lower irradiance values. The study emphasizes the importance of regular maintenance and cleaning strategies for the efficient operation of solar power plants. In particular, the surface cleaning of PV panels plays a critical role in maintaining energy production efficiency. This study provides a scientific resource aimed at promoting the use of renewable energy and contributing significantly to the energy sector and academic literature.