AN ANALYSIS OF SOLAR POWER PLANTS OPERATION IN THE OFF-GRID AREA OF THE REPUBLIC OF SAKHA (YAKUTIA)

Abstract

The paper describes the specific features of power supply to the off-grid consumers in the northern territory of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia). Territorial zoning is made by the indices of total solar radiation received on horizontal surface and annual sunshine duration. Retrospective data on the solar power plants construction are presented for the offgrid area of the Republic which despite its northern location is a pioneer in this field of energy. The design differences of some power plants are described. This allows the experts of the local company to substantiate the priority solutions for the climatic conditions of the Republic based on the experimental data. A list of the populated settlements is presented with indication of the total capacity of solar power plants by area of the Republic. The paper demonstrates the dynamics of the total indices of electricity generation, the saving of diesel fuel and cost for its purchase in 2011–2016. Based on the analysis of solar power plant operation in the settlement of Dzhargalakh located beyond the Polar circle, we make a conclusion on the advantages of monocrystalline modules for the arctic conditions compared to the thin-film and polycrystalline ones. Actual data on electricity generation by month of the year are indicative of its typical pronounced summer maximum and virtual absence in winter. The paper shows the dynamics of electricity generation for a five-year period for each of the seven solar power plants constructed before 2015, and cost saving by fuel substitution at diesel power plants. Considerable changes in electricity generation are connected only with additional equipment to be placed into service. Increase in the cost saving is caused by growth of diesel fuel price. Actual data on the cost of the construction projects and cost saving are used to determine payback periods for seven solar power plants located in different areas of the Republic. Research has revealed that the latitudinal location does not affect payback periods of the projects while the diesel fuel price is the most decisive factor. In this context, even in the arctic areas of the Republic with winter polar night period, the payback period of the projects for construction of solar power plants is comparable with the power plants located in much more southerly areas and does not exceed 10 years.