A gridded optimization model for photovoltaic applications

Abstract

This study aims to develop a gridded optimization model for studying photovoltaic applications in Nordic countries. The model uses the spatial and temporal data generated by the mesoscale models STRÅNG and MESAN developed by the Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute. The model is developed based on the comparison between five irradiance databases, three decomposition models, two transposition models, and two photovoltaic models. Several techno-economic and environmental aspects of photovoltaic systems and photovoltaic systems integrated with batteries are investigated from a spatial perspective.CM SAF SARAH-2, Engerer2, and Perez1990 have shown the best performances among the irradiance databases, and decomposition and transposition models, respectively. STRÅNG resulted in the second-best irradiance database to be used in Sweden for photovoltaic applications when comparing hourly global horizontal irradiance with weather station data. The developed model can be employed for carrying out further detailed gridded techno-economic assessments of photovoltaic applications and energy systems in general in Nordic countries. The model structure is generic and can be applied to every gridded climatological database worldwide.