ENERGY COST ANALYSIS OF STAND ALONE PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEMS

Abstract

System power reliability under varying weather conditions and the corresponding system cost are the two main concerns for designing stand alone photovoltaic systems (SAPV). An energy cost evaluation of a SAPV using sinusoidal profile is developed. This paper presents, for a first time, the more accurate mathematic models for characterizing PV module, battery and converters (DC/DC and DC/AC). Secondly, a methodology for studying the impact profile load parameters on the energy cost of an SAPV is proposed. Two cases are considered, unitary and constant efficiencies. The results obtained give the minimum energy cost and downsizing of the system during 30 years of the life cycle for each case.