Performance Study of On-Grid Thin-Film Photovoltaic Solar Station as a Pilot Project for Architectural Use

We present a full description of a pilot photovoltaic station with thin-film modules, a newly-introduced technology in the market of solar systems in Jordan. In order to take the issue of landscaping of outdoor spaces in a hot semi-arid environment, give the Hashemite University campus a unique identity, and improve its aesthetic image, this pilot station has been installed as a canopy covering for 4-car parking space. The system is tested for a two-month period to check its behavior in the Northeastern sector of Jordan environmental conditions and study the effect of local climate. The system is connected to the local grid via a solar inverter. Measurement and monitoring systems are utilized to acquire data necessary to analyze the system performance. We investigate the effect of the system location, modules and ambient temperatures, wind, and dust on the system efficiency. We show instantaneous and daily average data for several performance metrics. The preliminary results show that the efficiency of the system is within the normal range for this type of technology tested in other countries. Harsh environment of Jordan semi-arid region has adverse effects, where the efficiency of the system is reduced by about 10% due to accumulation of dust. However, a feasibility study is planned in the near future after obtaining sufficient data to evaluate the economic value of thin-film systems in Jordan.