Experimental analysis of a photovoltaic self-consumption system for the offices of a local company

Abstract

The article analyzes the prospect of a solution for the mutual interaction of a photovoltaic generator and the local electrical grid, within the context of electrifying the offices of a hydrocarbon storage facility. The idea is to examine the operational performance of a system that enables the maximum self-consumption of energy generated by a small-scale photovoltaic system installed on the facility's site. Such a system could prove beneficial for multiple consumers operating in a complex energy environment. The issue is scrutinized based on experimental data from a real case in Dakar, Senegal. An installation with a photovoltaic system of approximately 17 kWp peak power is monitored for a year to assess the reliability of the self-consumption photovoltaic system for a broader application. The data encompasses both the functioning of the photovoltaic system and its interaction with the electrical grid. The potential use of this solution in the context of promoting self-consumption policies to reduce electricity consumption expenses is discussed and analyzed, revealing a relatively high level of interaction with the electrical grid. Despite maintenance costs, the photovoltaic system proves to be cost-effective.