Operational Performance Assessment of Rooftop PV Systems in the Maldives

In pursuit of the Maldives ambitious net-zero emissions target by 2030, the adoption of photovoltaic (PV) systems has surged as a leading renewable energy solution. Despite this growth, a critical gap exists – a genuine operational performance assessment specific to the Maldives. This article pioneers such an evaluation, focusing on a 6.6 kWp rooftop PV system at STECO's bus station in K. Male'. Utilizing the internationally recognized IEC 61724 standards and real site data from 2022, the study goes beyond the recent surge in PV adoption by conducting the first-ever operational assessment in the Maldives. Employing the PVsyst software, we model and compare actual data from the physical installation with projected results. In addition, an economic analysis is also conducted using actual system financial data, The assessment introduces key metrics — performance ratio, capacity utilization factor, and overall system efficiency tailored for the Maldivian context. For the system in question, the simulated annual metrics stood at 81.56%, 18.98%, and 13.87% respectively, while the operational figures observed were 69.37%, 16.14%, and 11.8% respectively. Furthermore, the economic analysis indicates that the system payback period is only 4.3 years even with a high discount rate of 11%. This study not only underscores the feasibility of rooftop PV systems as renewable energy alternatives in the Maldives but also establishes a groundbreaking precedent for operational assessments in this geographical setting. The insights gained will prove invaluable for stakeholders considering solar PV deployments across the nation, particularly in areas sharing similar climatic conditions.