Modeling Impact of Solar Radiation on Site Selection for Solar PV Power Plants In India

Abstract

Solar power is gaining importance in the light of discussion about climate change and renewable energy sources. In most parts of India, clear sunny weather is experienced 250–300 days in a year. The annual global radiation varies from 1600 to 2200 kWh/m², which is comparable with radiation received in the tropical and subtropical regions. This paper runs simulation scenarios for various sites in India for technical and financial viability of solar power generation with photo voltaic (PV) technology. Solar radiation data are accessed from National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) website, and other meteorological parameters are collected from Indian Meteorological Department (IMD). The data are fed into RETScreen model to run various simulation scenarios. Feasibility of sites in India to build a 5-MW PV-grid connected power plant from techno-economical and environmental points of view are discussed. A model is run for 31 major sites in India to measure the viability of Solar PV plants at these sites. Financial incentives announced in national solar mission of India have been used as an input to the model. Viability indicators like internal rate of return (IRR), net present value (NPV), cost of electricity (CoE), benefit–cost (B–C) ratio are identified on the basis of the model. A comparison of results is done and the best sites in India are reported.