Grid Connected PV Systems in Dairy and Poultry Farms in Brazil: Evaluation of Different Installation Approaches
Abstract
The aim of this paper is to evaluate three grid connected photovoltaic systems that were implemented in rural properties dedicated to the animal protein supply chain in the west of the State of Paraná, Brazil. PV modules with mono and multicrystalline Si solar cells from the same supplier were used. One of the PV arrays was ground mounted, faced to North, 18 ° tilted and the others were mounted on the north-facing rooftop of the farm buildings. On the roof of a cowshed, PV modules were 18° tilted, azimuth of 9° NE and on the roof of a poultry house, PV array was 13° tilted (same slope of the roof) and with an azimuth of 52° NE. Two inverter brands were applied and two approaches to connect to the grid were used. The results indicated that high difference in performance ratio and yield can be produced due to the position of the inverter inside the farm (distance to the main electric input) and the type of the cooler used in it. Concerning the module temperature, an average effective temperature of around 17-22° C above the ambient temperature was observed.