Comparison of the production values of a photovoltaic power plant with the results of simulation software: The example of a solar power plant in the municipality of Erbaa

In this study, annual energy production data of the Erbaa Municipality 990 kWp Solar Power Plant, which is located in Erbaa district of Tokat province, were obtained. The design and simulation of the power plant was carried out by using the trial versions of PV*SOL and PVsyst softwares used in the feasibility studies of solar power plants. In the simulations, the meteorological parameters of the power plant were obtained from the meteonorm database. The modules and inverters used in the simulations were selected according to the brand and the model of the modules and the inverters used in the power plant. The data of albedo, module tilt angle, azimuth angle parameters and data of losses due to cables and mismatches were entered in accordance with reality. A total of four simulations, two each, were performed using the Hay-Davies and Perez models used to calculate the total irradiance on a tilted surface, provided that all parameters are kept constant in both simulation software. The simulation results were compared with the real production data by using graphs and figures. It has been concluded that the monthly simulation results are closer to the actual data in the PV*SOL software, while the annual simulation results are closer to the actual data of the simulation implemented by the total radiation model falling on Perez inclined surfaces used in the PVsyst software.