Operation of an autonomous hybrid solar power plant in the Northwestern Federal District of Russia

Analysis methods are considered for an autonomous hybrid solar power plant consisting of thin-film tandem photovoltaic modules with a peak power of 15 kW that is intended for operation in the Northwestern Federal District of Russia. Development, installation, and test results are reported. Preliminary estimates of the energy yield and monitoring data are analyzed. The energy yield of the power plant over the calculation period (December, 2012–September, 2013) is predicted at a level of 7.2 MWh, while the monitoring data predict 5.9 MWh. Factors that can be responsible for such a discrepancy are analyzed. Energy losses are due to inaccurate calculation of the solar intensity, equipment-load mismatch, and conversion losses.