Optimal design of photovoltaic power plants

Abstract

The configuration of the photovoltaic panels is important to maximize the energy output of a photovoltaic power plant. In this thesis, I have developed an algorithm calculating the optimal solution for the design of a solar farm with fixed panels. The design of the photovoltaic power plant is decided by the configuration of the following parameters: tilt and azimuth of the panels, height and length of the rows, distance between the rows and number of rows. The parameters are constructed to maximize the net present value of the solar farm in a given field. The calculations will be based on local measurements and estimations. We will analyse and optimize the design of the solar farms for three different locations.