Determination and Optimization of the Best Model for Calculating Potential Electrical Energy Using Different Types of Photovoltaic Technologies

Abstract

This study aims to determine and optimize the best model for calculating potential electrical energy using different types of photovoltaic technologies. Northeastern states (NES) of Nigeria have a huge potential for solar energy due to its location which is situated in the tropical region to determine the best model for estimating potential electrical energy. Seven (7) different models were used. The conversion of global solar radiation determined to electric power from PV solar panels was calculated using the PV efficiency of four solar cell technologies, and a statistical error method was applied to choose the best among the models with minor errors. Based on the result (Dookie et al. (2022)) model was selected as the best model for the calculation of the potential electrical energy of NES because the model has minimal errors of MBE (-2.507 MW), MPE (0.383 MW), RMSE (8.852 MW), R² (0.927), and Average error (2.100 MW) the models were optimized by subtracting the average error determined from the best model. These outcomes can provide helpful contributions for examining and monitoring the PV system installation status in an NES region and identifying suitable areas with high solar power potential.