An optimization method for designing stand alone photovoltaic system using iterative method

Abstract

World's fuel sources are decreasing and global warming phenomena cause the urgency to search for alternative energy sources. Photovoltaic system has high potential since it is clean and environmental friendly. Standalone photovoltaic (SAPV) system is usually chosen as an alternative to grid utility, where excess to main grid is impossible. The system is designed to fulfill a specific load demand, close to its point of utilization. This paper presents SAPV system sizing and design that include sizing of PV modules, battery storages, charge controller and inverter using iterative method. Loss of power supply probability analysis is set as a benchmark to determine all possible configurations. Then, the optimum design is chosen based on the lowest levelized cost of energy. A case study on small-scale household load profile and hourly solar irradiance is employed to design this system. The findings indicate that the annual LCC for the proposed system is RM 632.08 with LCOE of RM 0.79/kWh.