‘INVESTIGATION AND PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS OF SOLAR ENERGY AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO GRID ELECTRICITY

Diminishing fossil fuel resources, and the serious doubts involved with nuclear power production, demand an unexploited and non-polluting power source. Advances in space technology and research have provided an answer-solar energy conversion. The technical and scientific possibilities of satellite conversion systems are outlined and evaluated. So it is necessary to find an alternative method to harness the energy that we are lacking. Solar energy generation seems to be a promising technology for this dilemma. It is environmental friendly and infinite source of energy. Photovoltaic systems can be broadly classified into two-an on-grid system or an off-grid system. The energy generated from a solar PV system is based on several factors like irradiance, types of solar PV used and temperature. Analysing the existing system efficiency is of prime importance for the characterization of the problems and for the improvements. This study deals with the performance analysis of an on-grid and off-grid system.