Technical design and environmental analysis of 100-kWp on-grid photovoltaic power plant in north-western Iran

Due to the fuel security and environmental concerns of traditional energy resources like fossil fuels, grid operators are tending to use renewable energies as the primary energy supply. This paper presents the study of designing, simulation and analysis of a 100-kWp on-grid photovoltaic power plant (PV-PP) in north-western Iran. Accurate meteorological data, satellite images and local knowledge from this region have narrowed down the options to three highly irradiated cities of Maragheh, Mahabad and Khalkhal in this region. PVsyst and MATLAB software are used in this paper to obtain the performance results. Environmental effects and carbon-emission savings from the execution of the proposed PV-PP are also available in this paper. The result of this study shows that PV-PP installation in Maragheh will have higher energy output than the two other cities. This study is insightful for the academics and the grid stakeholders in finding optimal spots in north-western Iran to construct a PV-PP. Also, recommendations are available for future studies. A 100-kWp on-grid photovoltaic power plant is designed in north-western Iran. Accurate meteorological data, satellite images, and local knowledge are used in a simulation to select the best location from among three cities. A 100-kWp on-grid photovoltaic power plant is designed in north-western Iran. Accurate meteorological data, satellite images, and local knowledge are used in a simulation to select the best location from among three cities. Graphical Abstract