A techno-economic analysis of a single-axis tracked bifacial photovoltaic plant connected in Albanian distribution system

Abstract

This paper presents a techno-economic analysis of a 10 MWp photovoltaic (PV) plant installed in the south-west of Albania. To increase its performance, a single-axis solar tracking system with bifacial modules has been chosen. Moreover, the optimal design and sizing of the PV plant is determined through software, considering various factors. In this context, the results show that the annual yield of the on-grid PV system will be 1,670 kWh/kWp. In the same vein, the calculations present that the internal rate of return IRR is 20.6%, which indicates that the project will have a positive return on the investment value. Meanwhile the payback period of the investment is 4.8 years, which is considered as an investment that provides high income. These values are quite attractive for investors. On the other hand, the impact of this PV system on the distribution system parameters has been studied. While an improvement is seen in the voltage levels of the nodes, some of the lines and transformers show technical losses due to their loading.