(Design of 100MW Solar PV On-Grid Connected Power Plant Using (PVsyst) in Umm Al-Qura University (UQU

Abstract

Currently, the extensive use of energy that generated based on fossil produced an excessive amount of CO2 emissions which affect the environment. If this continues, the atmosphere temperature is expected to increase, which increase storms, hurricanes, droughts, and floods. Therefore, Urgent action is needed nowadays to change the energy system to renewable energy since it results in a little to no emission. This study presents the Design and simulation of a 100 MW power generation grid-connected solar photovoltaic system in Umm Al-Qura University (UQU). It also represents technical, economic potential, and annual performance of the solar PV system. The design is validated and simulated by using PVsyst software to determine the optimum size, the PV grid-connected system specifications and the generation of electricity. The amount of electricity that a solar PV plant generates is 100 MW. This amount could be used to reduce the load on Saudi Electricity Company (SEC) and help to minimize the annual electricity bill of Umm Al-Qura University (UQU). The study provides an abridged financial evaluation of the solar PV plant along with the operation and maintenance costs. The results of this project should encourage Umm Al-Qura University to decide on installing a solar PV system to reduce load shedding and minimize the cost of supplying electricity to its facilitates. Moreover, the solar power plant helps to conserve oil and reduce environmental impacts. A project like this can also act as a guideline for possible solar systems in other different institutions.