VISVESVARAYA TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY
H.K.E. SOCIETY’S
SIR. M. VISVESVARAYA COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
Raichur – 584101
ASSIGNMENT – 1
PROJECT REPORT
ON
“Simulation and Analysis of a Solar PV System Using PV Watts Calculator”
Submitted by:
NIHARIKA (3SL22CS030)
Under the Guidance of Head of the Department
PROF.N.D. SANGAMESH DR. SHARAN KUMAR
DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTER SCIENCE & ENGINEERING
Affiliated to VTU-Belagavi, Approved by AICTE, Accredited by NACC)
Yeramarus Camp, Raichur-584135, Karnataka
2024-25
Introduction:
In the face of mounting environmental concerns, energy insecurity, and the depletion of fossil
fuels, there has been a global shift towards the adoption of cleaner and more sustainable
energy sources. Among various renewable energy technologies, solar photovoltaic (PV)
systems have emerged as a leading solution for sustainable electricity generation. Solar PV
technology harnesses the abundant and renewable energy of the sun to generate electricity,
offering a clean, silent, and low-maintenance alternative to conventional power sources.
However, the successful planning and implementation of solar PV systems demand precise
forecasting of energy output, efficiency, and economic return. This necessitates the use of
accurate simulation tools that can model the performance of a solar PV system based on a
variety of input parameters, including geographic location, system design, weather
conditions, and solar irradiance. These tools are essential for engineers, policymakers,
researchers, and investors to make informed decisions about the feasibility and optimization of
solar projects.
One of the most widely used tools for this purpose is the PVWatts Calculator, developed by
the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) in the United States. PVWatts is a
free, web-based simulation tool that estimates the energy production and cost savings of
grid-connected solar PV systems. It uses weather data and solar radiation data from thousands
of global locations to provide realistic predictions of monthly and annual electricity
generation. PVWatts allows users to input system-specific parameters such as DC system size,
module type, array type, tilt angle, azimuth angle, and system losses, thereby offering a
customizable and flexible simulation environment.
The aim of this project is to use the PVWatts Calculator to simulate and analyze the
performance of a solar PV system installed at a specific location—Ashapur Cross in
Raichur, Karnataka, India. This analysis includes:
● Estimating monthly and annual energy output
● Evaluating system efficiency
● Estimating potential cost savings
● Identifying the impact of climatic conditions on performance
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By conducting this simulation and interpreting the results, this case study seeks to highlight
the real-world potential of solar energy in a semi-arid region like Raichur. The findings will
contribute to understanding the role of solar simulation tools in project planning and highlight
the key factors that influence solar PV performance. Ultimately, such analyses are valuable for
promoting sustainable energy adoption and guiding future investments in renewable energy
infrastructure.
Objectives:
● To simulate the performance of a solar PV system for a specific location.
● To analyse the estimated energy production and financial savings.
● To evaluate the system efficiency and understand key influencing parameters.
● To study the working principle and key components of a solar PV system.
● To use the PV Watts Calculator to simulate energy production for a selected location.
● To analyse monthly and annual AC energy output of the solar PV system.
● To evaluate the impact of system parameters such as tilt, azimuth, and system size on
performance.
● To estimate potential electricity cost savings based on local energy tariffs.
● To understand and interpret the performance ratio, system losses, and solar radiation
data.
● To assess the technical feasibility of adopting solar PV systems for residential or
institutional use.
Methodology:
The methodology involves simulating a solar photovoltaic (PV) system using the PV
Watts Calculator, a web-based tool developed by the National Renewable Energy
Laboratory (NREL). The process includes selecting an appropriate location, configuring
system parameters, and analysing the simulated output to evaluate system performance.
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Selection of Location
● A suitable geographic location was selected for the simulation based on
availability of solar resources and relevance to the study.
● For this report,Ashapur road, Raichur, Karnataka, India (16.160331, 77.325624)
was chosen due to its favourable solar irradiance levels.
Accessing PVWatts Calculator
● The simulation was performed using the online tool available at:
[Link]
● The tool uses historical meteorological data and system specifications to simulate
solar energy output.
Parameters Considered:
● Location: [Insert location, e.g., Ashapur road ,Raichur,Karnataka, India]
● latitude and longitude(16.160331,77.325624)
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Location: Type your city (e.g., Raichur, India) or Give coordinates.
System Size: (e.g., 10 kW)
Module Type: Standard
Array Type: Fixed (roof mount)
Tilt: Equal to latitude (e.g., 15° for Raichur)
Azimuth: 180 (South facing)
Simulation Process
● After entering the location and system configuration, the simulation was executed.
● The tool calculated monthly and annual AC energy output (in kWh), solar
radiation (in kWh/m²/day), and performance ratio.
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📌 Key Formula:
AC Energy Output (kWh)=Solar Radiation×DC System Size×System
Efficiency\text{AC Energy Output (kWh)} = \text{Solar Radiation} \times \text{DC
System Size} \times \text{System Efficiency}AC Energy Output (kWh)=Solar
Radiation×DC System Size×System Efficiency
Simulation Results:
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Data Analysis
● The simulation results were analysed to assess the monthly variation in energy
output.
● The annual energy production and potential cost savings were calculated.
● Graphs and tables were generated to visually interpret the results.
● Key performance indicators like performance ratio and seasonal variability were
studied.
Results of above analysis: -
✅ Annual Output
The PV system generates approximately 15,194 kWh/year, based on the AC energy column
✅ Performance Ratio
The performance ratio is influenced by several factors visible in your PV system specs:
● System losses: 14%
● Inverter efficiency: 96%
● Array tilt: 15°
● Azimuth: 180° (South-facing, optimal in Northern Hemisphere)
● DC Capacity Factor: 17.3%
These indicate a reasonably efficient system, though losses and suboptimal tilt might slightly
lower the ratio.
✅ Cost Savings
Assuming an electricity cost of ₹3.36 per kWh (standard residential tariff in many Indian
states):
15,194 kWh/year × ₹3.36 ≈ ₹51,251/year
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✅ Seasonal Variability
From the monthly AC energy output:
● Highest production:
○ March (1,534 kWh)
○ April (1,472 kWh)
○ May (1,402 kWh)
These months fall in summer, with strong sunlight and clear skies.
● Lowest production:
○ July (946 kWh)
○ August (981 kWh)
○ June (1,118 kWh)
These months align with the monsoon season, resulting in reduced solar output
due to clouds and rain.
● December (1,319 kWh) is moderate but still among the lower months, possibly due to
shorter daylight hours.
Conclusion:
The PV Watts Calculator provides a user-friendly platform for initial feasibility
assessment of solar PV systems. Through simulation, we observe that a 10 kW
system can significantly offset electricity costs, with output varying based on
seasonal solar radiation. Such tools are invaluable for residential, commercial, and
policy-level decision-making.
References:
● PV Watts Calculator: [Link]
● NREL (National Renewable Energy Laboratory)
