Energy Efficiency and Economic Survivance Appraisal of a 375 kWp Rooftop Solar PV System Under Hot and Dry Indian Climate

Abstract

India's rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) installations are experiencing rapid growth due to favorable regulations. As climate change becomes a growing concern, researchers are turning their attention to the effects of weather patterns on the performance of rooftop solar panels, and also to optimize their efficiency in a changing environment. Consequently, industry players in the solar sector have been conducting performance validation and feasibility assessments of these plants. A 375 kWp rooftop PV plant is studied as a case example from April 1, 2022 to March 31, 2023, generating 543,666 kWh annually for the grid. The NMBE and MBE were assessed using simulation tools like PVGIS and PV Watts. In addition, a cost–benefit analysis of carbon credits was conducted with and without their inclusion. The energy payback time is calculated at 4.5 years post-inclusion. Over a 25-year lifespan, the embodied energy of the PV plant amounts to 2,552,265 kWh. This plant can mitigate CO₂ emissions annually by 10,173.57 tons which is equivalent to INR 5,464,925. The current study highlights both environmental and economic benefits by incorporating carbon credits into the project. Further advancement in simulation tools, PV technologies, climate change adaptations are expected which will improve the rooftop system efficiency with shorten pay pabck periods and maximum reductions in CO₂ emissions.