Evaluation of the performance of a 3.3 kWp Grid-Connected Photovoltaic System in Arequipa, Peru

Abstract

This study analyzes the energy performance of a 3.3 kWp Grid-Connected Photovoltaic System (GCPS) installed on the campus of the National University of San Agustin, located in Arequipa, Peru, at a latitude of 16.2°S, longitude 71.3°W, and an altitude of 2,374 m. The study identified higher values in the annual final energy yield (Yf) and annual overall performance (PR) of the GCPS compared to similar installations in Tacna, Peru, Santiago, Chile, and Antofagasta, Chile. Additionally, the study highlights the potential for utilizing distributed generation in Arequipa by analyzing the energy production of a system with 20 m² of monocrystalline silicon photovoltaic panels, which, on average, generates 25 kWh/m² per month. This result is compared to the monthly energy consumption of a typical household (254 kWh), whose demand could be met with a 10 m² rooftop solar installation. Moreover, the average monthly energy consumption of the engineering department at the National University of San Agustin (81,880 kWh) is evaluated, revealing that its energy requirements could be covered through the installation of 3,275 m² of photovoltaic panels.