Analysis on lost energy in small solar power plants

– Comparison of cumulative loss of energy ratios between curtailment and improper management

Abstract

Although the curtailment of solar energy in Japan remains at an appropriate level by international comparison, it is often considered serious because of the possibility that the amount of loss of energy due to curtailment may affect business operations. On the other hand, analysis of time-series data from more than 200 small-scale solar power plants compiled by the authors indicates that the amount of loss of energy due to improper maintenance is not negligible and has reached a level more serious than curtailment at some power plants. This report quantitatively evaluates the lost power generation from these two perspectives, proposing cumulative curtailment ratio as a novel indicator.