A simulation model for sizing PV installations

Electric energy consumption in the arid Saharan regions is continuingly increasing due to increasing urbanization. Photovoltaic solar energy may be a suitable form of alternative electric energy production due to the abundance of solar energy in this region. In this paper we are presenting the general outline of a simulation model used to size and assess the performance a PV installation using DELPH5 programming language. This program allows the user to determine at any moment the performance of the PV installation by comparing the PV electric energy produced and the required consumption load and. It also permits the optimization of the system relative to the factor of time.

This paper presents the algorithms used in and the overall outline of a simulation program to determine the performance of PV installation. This program allows the following: For a specialist in the field, to assess the characteristics of the installation before it is built saving henceforth unnecessary developmental costs and increase the economic feasibility of a PV installation project. The program also allows the user to assess the electric power output for different site configuration and data as well as different energy consumption needs of the consumer.