A
REPORT ENTITLED
OPTIMAL SOLAR ENERGY ESTIMATION & COMPARISON
USING VARIOUS SOFTWARE TOOLS
Submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the award of the
degree of
Diploma in Electrical Engineering
by
NAME
ENROLLMENT NO.
Rushi j. Valand
Krish j. Patel
Aditya j. Dusane
Jeet P. Vakharia
216450309028
216450309032
216450309058
216450309056
Under the supervision of
Mr. snehal V. purani
DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING
SHRI K. J. PLYTECHNIC
BHARUCH, GUJARAT, INDIA
NOVEMBER 2023
MOBILE NO.
8780319289
9664601299
9725371710
9998690399
DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING
SHRI K. J. POLYTECHNIC, BHARUCH, GUJARAT, INDIA
CERTIFICATE
This is to certify that the report entitled, “OPTIMAL SOLAR ENERGY ESTIMATION &
COMPARISON USING VARIOUS SOFTWARE TOOLS”, submitted by following students, is a bonafide
work carried out by students. This report or its part has not been submitted to any other Institute or University
for the award of any diploma.
NAME
ENROLLMENT NO.
MOBILE NO.
Rushi j. Valand
Krish j. Patel
Aditya j. Dusane
216450309028
216450309032
216450309058
216450309056
8780319289
9664601299
9725371710
9998690399
Jeet P. Vakharia
This is to certify that the above statement made by the candidate is correct to the best of our knowledge.
Date:07/11/2023
Place: Bharuch
Guided By:
HOD (Electrical Department)
Mr. S.V Purani
Mr. S. C. Patel
ii
 INSTITUTE VISION AND MISSION
VISION:
Be an excellent institute in technical education committed to full fill the need of industry
and society.
MISSION:
 To provide a conducive environment for quality learning and nurture Teamwork.
 To Forster the skill of Employability, Innovation and Entrepreneurship among
students.
 To Bridge the Gap between Curriculum and Needs of Society.
iii
 DEPARTMENT VISION AND MISSION
VISION:
Be a department of Technical Excellence in Electrical Engineering Imparting Latest
Technical Skills Complementary to the Industry and Society.
MISSION:
1. To Impart Skill based Technical Education Significant to Electrical Engineering
through Conducive Environment for Qualitative Learning.
2. To Make up for the Shortfall between Academia and Needs of Society.
3. To Mould Students for Teamwork, Leadership, Moral and Ethical Values.
iv
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
In the accomplishment of this partial project report successfully for Sem 5th electrical,
many people have best owned upon me their blessing and the heart pledge support, this
time I am waiting to thank all the people who have been concerned with this project.
Primarily, I would thank God for being able to complete this project with success.
Then I would thank my project guide Dr. S. B. Pandya whose valuable guidance has been
the ones that patch this project and make it full proof success. Her suggestion and her
instructions have served as the major contributor toward the completion of the project.
Then I would like to thank my parents and my friends who have helped me with
their valuable suggestion and guidance has been helpful in various phases of the
completion of the project.
Last but not least I would thank my whole team to give equal contribution in
completing this project successfully.
1.
2.
3.
4.
VAKHARIA JEET P.
RUSHI J. VALAND
KRISH J. PATEL
ADITYA J. DUSANE
I
 ABSTRACT
"Optimal solar energy" refers to the highest level of energy output that can
be generated from a solar photovoltaic (PV) system while considering various
factors such as location, system design, and efficiency. Achieving optimal solar
energy involves factors like proper panel orientation, minimal shading, highefficiency components, and effective system design. The goal is to maximize
energy production while minimizing losses, ensuring the most efficient and costeffective utilization of solar resources.
II
INDEX
INSTITUTE VISION AND MISSION ...........................................................................iii
DEPARTMENT VISION AND MISSION ..................................................................... iv
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT ................................................................................................ I
ABSTRACT ..................................................................................................................... II
INDEX ............................................................................................................................ III
LIST OF FIGURE. ........................................................................................................ III
LIST OF TABLE ........................................................................................................... IV
CHAPTER-1 INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................... 5
1.1- BASICS OF SOLAR ENERGY .......................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
1.1.1 Structure of PV Cell ......................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
CHAPTER-2 estimation of solar energy ............................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
2.1- Basics of estimation ............................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
2.2- Need of estimation of solar energy ...................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
CHAPTER- 3 pvsyst software ............................................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
3.1- What is Pvsyst? .................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
3.2 - tools of Pvsyst………………………………………………………………
CHAPTER-4 The progress of our project .......................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
CHAPTER-5 CONCLUSION ............................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
5.1- Conclusion ............................................................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
5.2- Future Scope ........................................................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
REFERENCE ................................................................................................................. 17
 LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1– SOLAR CELL STRUCTURE(1) ...................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
Figure 2- SOLAR CELL CONNECTIONS(2) .................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
Figure 3- solar estimation(4)
III
 LIST OF TABLES
Table 1- Comparison between BLDC motor and brushed Dc moto Error! Bookmark not
defined.
Table 2- Comparison between BLDC Motor and AC motor .......... Error! Bookmark not
defined.
Table 3- Design variables and their boundaries ................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
Table 4- Six inequality constraints ................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
Table.5- The results of single objective function. ............. Error! Bookmark not defined.
Table.6- The results of best compromise solutions of multi objective function ....... Error!
Bookmark not defined.
IV
CHAPTER-1 INTRODUCTION
1.1- BASIC OF SOLAR ENERGY
 Energy from sun is abundant and free. To convert energy from sun we need the
second most abundant element on earth “Sand”. Sand is to be converted into
99.999% pure silicon crystal to use in solar panel. The purification process was
done.
2000℃
𝑠𝑎𝑛𝑑 + 𝑐𝑎𝑟𝑏𝑜𝑛 → −−−→ Raw silicon (98 % pure)
 Raw silicon is converted in to gaseous silicon and then mixed with hydrogen to
get highly purified polycrystalline silicon. (𝑆𝑖𝐻𝐶𝑙3 + 𝐻2) It is then converted into
very thin plates called “Silicon wafers”.
 Silicon wafer is the heart of solar cell (photo voltaic cell). If we analyze the
structure we can see the bonded atoms (if you are bonded with someone you lose
the freedom means you are not free). Same thing happens with silicon atom.
Suppose we are injecting phosphorus atom having 5 electrons is injected into it
which creates one free electron which is free to move.
 In this structure, when electron gets sufficient energy, they will move freely.
When light falls on the structure, the electrons will gain the photon energy and
willbe free to move. This movement is random and will not able to result any
current through the load. To make this movement unidirectional we require a
driving force.So easy and practical way to produce driving force is P-N junction.
 Similar to N type doping, if you inject P type boron with 3 valence electrons into
pure silicon atom, there will be one hole for each atom. This is called P type
doping.If this kind of doped materials are joined together, some electrons from N
region migrate to P region and fills the holes available. This will form a “depletion
region”. Depletion region is the region of P-N junction where there are no free
electrons as well as no free holes. Due to the migration the N type boundary is
slightly positivelycharged and the P type becomes negatively charged. An electric
field is formed between these charges across depletion region
 This electric field produces the necessary driving force. Light strikes the N region
of the PV cell; it penetrates and reach up the depletion region. This photon energy
issufficient to generate electron hole pair in the depletion region. The electric field
across the depletion region drives the electrons and holes out of the depletion
region.Due to this, the concentration of electrons in the N region and concentration
of holes in P region becomes so high that the potential difference developed
between them. As soon as we connect any load across it, electrons will start
flowing through the load.
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 These electrons will recombine with the holes in P region after completing the
path. This way PV cell will continue give us DC current. In practical PV cell, top
Nlayer is very thin and heavily doped whereas P layer is thick and lightly doped.
Thisis to increase the performance of the cell. (Find how?)
 The thickness of the depletion region is much higher in the P region. This means
that due to the light striking the depletion region and electron holes are generated
inthe wider area which results higher amount of current by the PV cell. Due to thin
toplayer more light energy can reach to depletion layer.
1.1.1 Structure of PV Cell
 Different layers of solar panel
1. Layer of cells (connection through copper strips)
2. EVA sheets on both the sides of cells (EVA is the abbreviation for ethylene
vinyl acetate.)
3. Glass cover (toughen glass or tempered glass)
4. Metallic plate for mounting over structure.


Solar Cell Structure (1)

Solar Cell Connection (2)
Solar Power Plant Vs Thermal Power Plant Cost Difference (3)
6
 Single PV cell generates around 0.5 V. Due to series connection the voltage rating of
panel increases and due to parallel connection current rating of panel increases up to a
usable range. EVA sheets are employed to protect from the shocksby presence of
humidity and dust. It is an insulation material.

There are two types of structures to manufacture solar panel.
1. Polycrystalline
2. Mono crystalline

Polycrystalline & Monocrystalline panels (4)
Difference between Monocrystalline Panels & Polycrystalline Panels
Particulars
1. cost
2. Efficiency
3. Appearance
4. Temperature
coefficient
5. Annual Degradation
6. Lifespan
7. Advantages
8. Disadvantages
Monocrystalline Solar
Panels
High
High (19-21%)
These panels have black or
dark blue hues with
octagonal shape
Lower (0.35% per degC)
Polycrystalline Solar
Panels
Low
Low (15-17%)
These panels have blue hue
with square edges
Lower (0.55% per year)
25+ years
Energy efficient Heatresistant Lesser power
output reduction over time
Expensive High carbon
footprint
Higher (0.7% per year)
25+ years
Affordable Less wastage in
manufacturing process Low
carbon footprint
Low heat resistance Lower
energy efficiency
7
Higher (0.4% per degC)
CHAPTER 2
Need of Estimation of Solar Energy
2.1 Basics of Estimation
 Among different sources of alternate energy, wind and solar are two prominent
and promising alternatives to meet the future electricity needs for mankind.
 Generally, these sources are integrated at the distribution utilities to supply the
local distribution customers. If the power generated by these sources is bulk, then
they are either integrated at the distribution/transmission level or may be operated
in an island mode if feasible.
 Solar radiation is free, and very useful input for most sectors such as heat, health,
tourism, agriculture, and energy production, and it plays a critical role in the
sustainability of biological, and chemical processes in nature.
 In this framework, the knowledge of solar radiation data or estimating it as
accurately as possible is vital to get the maximum benefit from the sun. From this
point of view, many sectors have revised their future investments/plans to
enhance their profit margins for sustainable development according to the
knowledge/estimation of solar radiation. This case has noteworthy attracted the
attention of researchers for the estimation of solar radiation with low errors.
 Accordingly, it is noticed that various types of models have been continuously
developed in the literature. The present review paper has mainly centered on the
solar radiation works estimated by the empirical models, time series, artificial
intelligence algorithms, and hybrid models. In general, these models have needed
the atmospheric, geographic, climatic, and historical solar radiation data of a
given region for the estimation of solar radiation.
 It is seen from the literature review that each model has its advantages and
disadvantages in the estimation of solar radiation, and a model that gives the best
results for one region may give the worst results for the other region.
 Furthermore, it is noticed that an input parameter that strongly improves the
performance success of the models for a region may worsen the performance
success of another region.
 In this direction, the estimation of solar radiation has been separately detailed in
terms of empirical models, time series, artificial intelligence algorithms, and
hybrid algorithms.
 Accordingly, the research gaps, challenges, and future directions for the
estimation of solar radiation have been drawn in the present study.
 In the results, it is well-observed that the hybrid models have exhibited more
accurate and reliable results in most studies due to their ability to merge between
different models for the benefit of the advantages of each model, but the empirical
models have come to the fore in terms of ease of use, and low computational
costs.
8

Solar Energy Estimate (5)
2.2 Why to install solar roof top plant?
 Solar rooftop installation is an economic solution. One can install on the roof in
order to produce sufficient power against the load requirement near load centre.
State and central Governments are providing financial aids in terms of various
subsidies and also a scheme of unit generation balance against unit consumption.
Solar rooftop helps the distribution company in order to reduce Transmission and
Distribution losses as it can be installed at load centre.

Solar rooftop (6)
 In a way we reduce carbon dioxide emission and help environment against
disaster. Solar panels can be directly mounted on roofs in foreign country which
in turn reduces heating of the surface.
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 Around the world, renewable energies are promoted, especially solar energy, in
the drive to achieve smart cities and environmentally sustainable cities. The active
and passive use of solar energy can make energy use more effective in
commercial and urban spaces, feeding power plants that are complementary or
primary energy suppliers.
 Photovoltaic energy can be actively applied for electricity generation in a
distributed generation style; it can also be applied passively by taking into account
architectural designs and civil works where the building includes photovoltaic
systems on its roofs and facades. In Colombia, for example, the company Celsia
is a pioneer and leader in the development of large-scale photovoltaic solar energy
projects at companies, real estate and industrial projects, and logistics complexes
for the generation of electricity in residential and commercial buildings. In the
vast majority of buildings, the roof space is available to exploit the solar radiation.
 As an illustration, in Colombia, the available sources on solar resource
information indicate that the country has an average irradiation of 4.5 (kWh/m2/d)
[1], which exceeds the global average of 3.9 (kWh/m2/d) [2]. This shows a
significant and untapped resource for the deployment of photovoltaic systems.
 The potential solar radiation maps for Colombia have been developed by the
Institute of Hydrology, Meteorology, and Environmental Studies (Instituto de
Hydrology, Meteorology E studios Ambien tales—IDEAM) and the Mining and
Energy Planning Unit (Unidad de Planeación Minero-Energética—UPME).
These maps show the wide geographic distribution of the solar radiation resource
available in the country.
2.3 Classification of Solar power generation plant





Micro Renewable Energy Source (1 kW–5 kW),
Small Renewable Energy Source (5 kW–5 MW),
Medium Renewable Energy Source (5 MW–50 MW)
Large Renewable Energy Source (50 MW–300 MW)
Ultra Renewable Energy Source (more than 300 MW)

Solar power plant (7)
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 2.4 Types of Software Tools
 There are so many software tools available in the market but I would like to
mention some of the tools which are indeed very helpful: 1. PVSOL developed by Valentin Software (Berlin, Germany)
2. PVsyst developed by Logiciel photovoltaïque (France)
3. SketchUp developed by Google (Web Based Application)
4. Helioscope developed by Folsom Labs (San Francisco, USA)
5. AutoCAD developed by Autodesk
6. Plant predict developed by First solar
7. System Advisor Model (SAM) developed by NREL (USA)
8. PVWatts calculator developed by NREL (USA)
9. Rescreen developed by Government of CANADA

Different types Software’s (8)
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Chapter 3 Pvsyst Software

Pvsyst Software logo (9)
3.1 what is Pvsyst?
 PVsyst Software is a comprehensive solar design tool used by thousands of
engineers globally. PVSyst is the standard for large and utility-scale solar
installations. It makes grid-connected PV systems easier to design.
 PV Engineers and designers should know how to use PVsyst if they want to work
in large scale solar. Jobs in this field often require PVsyst experience,
especially Utility-Scale Solar.
 Engineers, designers and project managers can use PVSyst to predict the energy
and financial output of a solar power plant. Simulations save time by optimizing
the design based on equipment specifications and their configuration.
 What are the main features of PVsyst Software?
 System Sizing: PVsyst offers a Visual Tool for sizing and balancing systems. It
is useful for understanding various aspects of a system and determining where
additional efforts should be made. PVsyst provides real-time information about
the system’s size and constraints. You can also select which states will be active
in the system.
 System Design: System Design Board gives you all the relevant data in an easyto-digest format so that you can start designing your system right away.
 Simulations, Reports and Economic Evaluation: Users have access to several
simulation features, including a daily overview of all energy levels on the system
and reports of selected areas during operation. PVsyst uses advanced simulation
algorithms to visualize how the system operates in real-time, helping operators
understand the system as a whole.
12
 How Solar PV Designers can Benefit from Using Pvsyst
 PV System design tools such as PVsyst give professional designers and installers
an edge in a highly competitive market. PVsyst offers users a more efficient way
to install solar panels by consolidating instruments and software for system
management into a single platform.
 PV Syst Tools





Solar Parameters Tables: Use this tool to keep track of hundreds of variables.
Electrical Behaviour or PV Arrays Tool: Use this tool is to analyse and cell level
shading effects.
Transposition Factor Tool: This is used to optimize the energy gained from tilting
solar panels.
Monthly Mateo Computation Tool: This is used for quick solar irradiance
calculations, e.g., Peak Sun Hours/ Monthly kWh.
Operating Voltage Optimization Tool: In some small solar designs, an MPP
tracker may not be the best choice. This tool helps decide.

Features of Pvsyst Software (10)
13
3.2 Tools of Pvsyst
PVsyst offers a range of tools and features to assist in the design, simulation, and
analysis of photovoltaic systems. Some of the key tools and functionalities of
PVsyst include:
 PV System Design: PVsyst allows users to design PV systems by specifying
parameters such as the type and arrangement of PV modules, inverters, mounting
structures, and electrical components. It provides a user-friendly interface to input
system specifications.
 Solar Resource Data: PVsyst includes a database of meteorological data from
various sources. It allows users to import and analyse solar resource data such as
irradiance, temperature, and weather conditions for a specific location.
 Electrical Design: The software supports electrical design aspects of PV systems,
including the sizing of cables, transformers, and protection devices. It helps
ensure that electrical components are appropriately selected and integrated into
the system.
 Simulation and Performance Analysis: PVsyst uses sophisticated algorithms to
simulate the performance of PV systems. It considers various factors such as
shading, soiling, temperature effects, and system losses to estimate the energy
production and performance ratios of the PV system.
 Financial Analysis: PVsyst includes financial modelling tools that allow users to
evaluate the economic viability of PV projects. It considers parameters like
system costs, energy prices, incentives, and financing options to calculate
financial indicators such as the payback period, internal rate of return (IRR), and
net present value (NPV).
 3D Visualization: PVsyst offers a 3D visualization module that helps users
visualize the layout and shading effects of the PV system. It allows for a better
understanding of the system design and the impact of shading on energy
production.
 Reporting and Documentation: The software generates comprehensive reports
and documentation, including energy production estimates, system performance
analysis, and financial indicators. These reports can be customized and exported
for sharing with clients, stakeholders, or for project documentation purposes.
 These are some of the main tools and functionalities provided by PVsyst, which
collectively assist in the design, analysis, and optimization of photovoltaic
systems.
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Chapter 4 The Progress of Our Project
 Till the date we found so many losses and design flaw in our KJ polytechnic
solar power plant with the help of Pvsyst software we will able to improve the
solar power plant efficiency and make the plant more reliable. Currently we
are working and learning on Pvsyst software, if possible, we will also learn
HOMER software.

Image of KJ polytechnic solar plant
 As you can see the above image. The panels are dirty and it is unhygienic.
That means the solar panels are not working at full potential. As this factor,
we cannot get the zero-bill scenario or near as this is the main motive of
project.
15

Inverter of KJ polytechnic college
Note: - This is the progress report not final. The images and information may
vary later …
16
 Our main goal and future achievement of this project:









Less investments but higher efficiency.
Reduction in losses with proper combination.
Recovering the consumers investments in short time.
Check the feasibility for the installation.
To meet the load demand at consumer end.
Try to achieve zero energy bill scenario or minimum bill as per the installation
potential available at consumer location.
Compare various panel modules to reduce capital investment and increase
customer profit shares.
To achieve maximum efficiency with minimum losses
Steep reduction in cost of solar -new opportunities and business models emerging
REFERENCE
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1. https://www.electrical4u.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/16-1.png
2. https://www.electrical4u.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/16-1.png
3. https://watermanaustralia.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/SolarPhotovoltaic-Panels.png
4. https://www.prostarsolar.net/article/differences-monocrystalline-vspolycrystalline-solar-panels.html
5. https://www.pinterest.com/pin/solar-energy-estimate-report-for-consumerssolar-green--15692298672228664/
6. https://m.indiamart.com/proddetail/residential-solar-rooftop-power-plant25905878591.html
7. https://www.nsenergybusiness.com/wpcontent/uploads/sites/3/2023/06/Radian_Solar_Field-7thJune-1-740x520.jpg
8. https://media.licdn.com/dms/image/C4E12AQF-QPl020jMtg/articlecover_imageshrink_600_2000/0/1520238587968?e=2147483647&v=beta&t=c27Q_CbC
b64SSRFVbOdbK5ALeW-qFbi5PpX6pMnC-J4
9. https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pvsyst.com
%2F&psig=AOvVaw1tJSDzIRa7IwIyHnC41z9&ust=1699388921046000&source=images&cd=vfe
&opi=89978449&ved=0CBAQjRxqFwoTCKDNkIKasIIDFQAAAAAdAA
AAABAJ
10. https://www.pvsyst.com/
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