A novel method for optimizing grid-connected photovoltaic power plant layouts considering solar inverter location and power cables paths

Photovoltaic systems are attractive renewable energy sources for rural electrification and distributed power generation. However, the capital cost of these systems compared to non-renewable energy sources is still challenging. Thus, many researchers have focused on enhancing the efficiency and feasibility of PV systems. This paper proposes an optimum methodology for optimizing the layout of power distribution network for grid-connected photovoltaic systems considering solar inverter size and location, as well as cable path. The main aim of the proposed method is to offer the shortest cable length and path; achieving a higher efficiency and feasibility in the overall assessment. The suggested approach follows a heuristic method, starting by generating numerous inverter combinations for analysis. For each combination, the total length of cables is calculated considering all feasible inverter locations, aided by Python code to ensure precision. Ultimately, the method identifies the optimal inverter location that results in the shortest cable lengths. A 900 kWp grid-connected photovoltaic system is chosen as a case study in this research. Results show that a 26.9% reduction in total cable length as compared to the conventional approach is achieved by the proposed method. Meanwhile, the proposed method offered a better configuration of required solar inverters (size and location). Such a method is very useful for designing photovoltaic systems AC and DC distribution networks and exceeds the conventional and intuitive methods.