Abstract
Solar energy has an increasing role in the global energy mix. The need for flexible storage photovoltaic systems and energy storage in electricity networks is becoming increasingly important as more generating capacity uses solar and wind energy. This paper is a study on the economic questions related to flexible storage photovoltaic systems of household size in 2018. The aim is to clarify whether it is possible in the European Union to achieve a payback of the costs of flexible storage photovoltaic system investments for residential customers considering the technology-specific storage aspects prevalent in 2018. We studied seven different flexible storage photovoltaic investments with different battery technologies in Germany, France, Italy, and Spain because, in Europe, these countries have a prominent role with regard to the spread of photovoltaic technology. These investment alternatives are studied with the help of economic indicators for the different cases of the selected countries. At the end of our paper we come to the conclusion that an investment of a flexible storage photovoltaic (PV) system with Olivine-type-LiFePO4, Lithium-Ion, Vented lead-acid battery (OPzS), Sealed lead-acid battery (OPzV), and Aqueous Hybrid Ion (AHI) batteries can have a positive net present value due to the high electricity prices in Germany and in Spain. The most cost-effective technology was the Olivine-type-LiFePO4 and the Lithium-Ion at the time of the study. We suggest the provision of governmental support and uniform European modifications to the regulatory framework, especially concerning grid fees and tariffs, which would be necessary in the beginning to help to introduce these flexible storage PV systems to the market.
Highlights
An important question is whether it is possible in the European Union to achieve a payback of the costs of flexible storage photovoltaic system investments for residential customers considering the technology-specific storage aspects prevalent in 2018
The discounted payback period (DPP) was not indicated in the case of the Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) and LiFePO4 flexible PV storage systems in the Figure 7 because these payback periods were longer than 30 years
Seven different flexible storage PV investments were analyzed in Germany, France, Italy, and Spain because these countries have a prominent role concerning the spread of PV
Summary
The global energy demand is increasing day by day, and the shift to a sustainable, low-carbon economy will require innovation and the deployment of a range of low-carbon technologies for providing energy and other services [1,2]. Global warming has pushed the whole energy sector towards low-carbon energy resources, and photovoltaic (PV) sources have a key role in this transition [5,6,7]. Energies 2018, 11, 1445 towards low-carbon energy resources, and photovoltaic (PV) sources have a key role in of this transition [5,6,7]. The share of renewable electricity production on renewable and sustainable energy sources [8]. Markets in most locations continue to becontinue driven largely driven largely by regulations or government incentives [11,12,13]. By 2050,capacity the net spread of PV technology in Europe.
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