Performance and Environmental Impact of a 45 kWp Rooftop Grid-connected Solar PV System in a Semi-arid Academic Campus: A Case Study from Western India

Abstract

Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the technical performance and environmental impact of a 45 kWp rooftop grid-connected solar photovoltaic (PV) system installed at the College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology (CAET), Junagadh Agricultural University, Gujarat. Methodology: The system was monitored over five months (August–December 2018). Real-time data on energy output, meteorological parameters, and system efficiencies were recorded. Performance metrics such as array yield, final yield, module and system efficiencies, performance ratio (PR), and CO₂ emission reduction were analyzed using IEC 61724 guidelines. Results: The system generated 22,205 kWh of DC energy and exported 20,829.26 kWh of AC energy to the grid. It achieved an average final yield of 3.37 kWh/kWp/day and a performance ratio of 71%. The average module, inverter, and system efficiencies were 11.26%, 93.84%, and 10.56% respectively. A total of 20,494 kg of CO₂ emissions were avoided. Conclusion: The solar PV system showed reliable performance and high efficiency across seasonal conditions. It proved effective for reducing institutional carbon footprint and demonstrated the feasibility of rooftop solar adoption in semi-arid academic environments.