Power Factor Analysis of Grid-Connected Solar Inverter under Different Irradiance Levels throughout the Day

Abstract

The power factor (PF) plays a crucial role in determining the quality of energy produced by grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) systems. When irradiation levels are high, typically during peak sunlight hours, the PV panels generate more electricity. In this scenario, the PF tends to be higher because the real power output closely matches the apparent power drawn from the grid. Whereas, when irradiation levels are low, such as during cloudy weather or nighttime, the PV panels produce less electricity. In these conditions, the power factor may decrease because the real power output diminishes compared to the apparent power drawn from the grid. This could be due to reduced efficiency or increased reactive power flow. PF decreases linearly at solar irradiance values lower than 220 (W/m2). At the same time, it approaches unity at higher solar irradiance values than 220 (W/m2). In this study, the variation of the power coefficient of the grid-connected PV solar system depending on solar irradiation was modeled and analyzed using MATLAB/Simulink 41016490. The analytical expression of the power factor depending on the change in solar irradiation was found using the curve fitting method.

Keywords

• low solar irradiance
• curve fitting method
• power factor
• grid on PV system
• reactive power