Performance Analysis of a PV Power Plant Installed on the Roof

Today, increasing energy costs and environmental concerns direct industrial facilities to sustainable energy sources. In this context, PV Power Plants (PVPP) installed on the roofs of factories offer an environmentally friendly and economical energy production solution. Rooftop solar power plants allow factories to utilize their existing rooftop areas, while meeting a significant portion of their electricity needs and providing significant savings on energy bills. It also contributes to environmental sustainability by reducing carbon emissions. However, there are some difficulties in system installation, such as the suitability of the roof structure, initial investment cost and bureaucratic processes. Considering all these factors, rooftop solar power plant applications have become a strategic investment for factories due to their long-term economic benefits, energy supply security and environmental gains. This study aims to investigate the energy saving performance and environmental impacts of a PVPP installed on the roof of a factory in Düzce, Türkiye. The results show that in the months when solar radiation is intense in Düzce, the electricity used from PVPPs is higher than the electricity used from the grid. However, an average of 46.02% of the energy needed in the factory for 8 months was provided by the PVPP installed on the roof. From an economic perspective, the payback period of the installed solar power plant system is calculated as approximately 3 years. From an environmental perspective, with the installation of the PVPP, CO2 emissions have decreased by 1,100 tons compared to the past. This value means that the factory emits 76% less CO2 compared to the factory before the installation of the PVPP. As a result, it is seen that the PVPP placed on the roof of the factory contributes significantly to economic and environmental aspects.