Generation performance analysis for installed photovoltaic systems on the Maltese Islands

Abstract

Advanced data analytics of big data applied to PV systems can offer the advantages to both the plant operators and distribution system operators. This paper analyses and compares the generation output over a year of 56 grid-connected photovoltaic systems in Gozo, the second largest island of the Maltese archipelago. The datasets consist of production from a large PV plant and from small residential rooftop PV systems. The normal performance ratio was compared to the NREL weather-corrected performance ratio. For the considered dataset, daily adjustments due to the weather-corrected approach were observed to vary between 2.39% and -7.35% in May 2020. For October 2020, the daily adjustments due to the weather-corrected approach were observed to vary between 1.87% and -8.45%. The resultant median normal and weather corrected PRs were seen to marginally vary over the considered months.