Grid-connected photovoltaic module and array sizing based on an iterative approach

This paper deals with the sizing of a simple but efficient grid-connected photovoltaic (GCPV) system to minimize the difference between the electrical energy generated by the GCPV system and the required energy. It provides a technical sizing procedure based on an iterative approach for meeting specific amount of GWh output required by a future PV system considered for Kuwait. The iterative sizing algorithm has been implemented to determine the configuration of the PV array, actual rated output power with its relative energy, area of the array and efficiency of the system using an existing PV module and inverter database. Consequently the size of the array has been estimated based on a particular PV module and inverter combination. Optimum inverter-to-PV array sizing factor for a gridconnected PV system was determined in terms of the total system output.