Augmenting a Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) Plant With a Solar PV Plant

Abstract

The search for enhanced dispatchability at decreased prices has led to a surge in research on hybrid renewable energy systems. This paper explores the integration of Photovoltaic (PV) technology with Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) plants to enhance energy generation and economic feasibility, focusing on optimising the size of PV augmentation for existing CSP facilities. The study considers CSP plants with both Time-of-Day (ToD) and single tariffs, employing modelling techniques to assess the synergies between these two technologies. The cost of PV technology has significantly reduced, making it a cost-effective choice for electricity generation compared to CSP. CSP-PV augmentation promises to reduce online and offline auxiliary consumption, resulting in enhanced energy generation and a subsequent reduction in energy production costs. This study aims to explore the advantages of combining solar PV with a CSP system and determine the ideal PV size to maximise return, building upon previous studies to assess the technological and economic potential of integrating solar PV with CSP, focusing on South Africa. It utilises a rigorous analysis, combining the System Advisory Model and PVSyst modelling tool within an MS Excel framework. This economic assessment and sizing exercise aims to maximise profits while adhering to the limitations imposed by the power purchase agreement of a 100 MW CSP facility. The optimal size is 15 MWp for the ToD tariff and 16 MWp for the flat tariff. This highlights the potential for CSP-PV augmentation to improve energy dispatchability and financial viability, making it a compelling solution for existing CSP plants.