Abstract
The availability of energy is a key factor affecting sustainable development. Consumers losing electricity supply due to constraints on electrical power utilities is very common in developing countries. In this paper the technical and economic feasibility of using solar photovoltaics (PV) as a grid independent backup power source which can match the existing consumer load profiles is investigated. A system design methodology that takes into account the seasonal variation in load profiles is developed based on load analysis, PVGIS pre-sizing and PVsyst system performance simulations. The technical and economic performance of the backup system is compared to that for a grid-connected system and a standalone system with scheduled load, all designed for the residential load and weather conditions of a case study location. Impact of shading, a common uncertainty which affects the technical performance of PV systems, on the backup system is also investigated. Results demonstrate the trade-offs in providing solar PV backup power for load matching.
| Original language | English |
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| Publication status | Published - 21 Oct 2016 |
| Event | IEEE International Symposium on Technology and Society 2016 - Kerala, India Duration: 20 Oct 2016 → 22 Oct 2016 |
Other
| Other | IEEE International Symposium on Technology and Society 2016 |
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| Abbreviated title | IEEE ISTAS 2016 |
| Country/Territory | India |
| City | Kerala |
| Period | 20/10/16 → 22/10/16 |