A New Regulatory Approach for PV-Based Self-Supply, Validated by a Techno-Economic Assessment: A Case Study for Slovenia

Luka Martin Tomažič,Niko Lukač,Gorazd Štumberger

doi:10.3390/su13031290

Luka Martin Tomažič, Niko Lukač + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/su13031290

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Abstract

When it comes to the proliferation of photovoltaic (PV) systems, technological solutions have to go hand in hand with optimized policy approaches and regulatory frameworks. This paper proposes a new application of state-of-the-art PV potential estimation method based on Light Detection And Ranging (LiDAR) data targeted toward individual household self-supply. The performance of the proposed general approach is demonstrated in the case of Slovenian PV based self-supply (yearly net self-sufficient energy supply) scheme and related policy. The results obtained by PV potential assessment method show drawbacks of the current policy solution in Slovenia, which limits the installed peak power of the PV systems to 80% of the rated power supply. The paper proposes to change the policy in a way that increases the yearly energy production of the PV system and assures proper voltage profiles in the electricity network. The paper is novel in terms of considering PV potential over LiDAR data by also considering self-sustainability, in using such techno-economic analysis to validate the merits and demerits of a policy approach and is the first such case study used in the context of Slovenian self-supply policy. The proposed PV potential estimation method is generally applicable for any location and can be easily adjusted to the local regulatory framework.

Highlights

The proliferation of Photovoltaic (PV) systems is driven, besides the technological development, by policies at the level of the European Union (EU) and at the level of individual countries in the EU
The relevant results of the analysis of the Slovenian regulatory framework pertaining to self-supply is performed
The results have shown that the proposed PV system based self-supply scheme is highly valuable to be considered in Slovenia, as it would provide higher energy production, and is in turn more economically suitable

Summary

Introduction

The proliferation of Photovoltaic (PV) systems is driven, besides the technological development, by policies at the level of the European Union (EU) and at the level of individual countries in the EU. The implementation of the Winter Package in various European countries has been completed EU-wide and important amendments of existing primary and secondary legislation have already taken place, especially with regard to the so-called self-supply using PV systems [4], which is a yearly net self-sufficient energy supply, where yearly energy production matches yearly consumption. On one hand, these amendments aim to remove regulatory barriers to the proliferation of PV systems on multi-dwelling buildings, and on the other hand they alter the approach regarding rules for connecting the PV systems owned by households and small businesses to the electricity distribution network.

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