Abstract
This work considers an emerging value-based paradigm for solar generation under high penetration, in light of its conflicting cycles of supply and demand. The resulting swings in electricity prices, in locales such as California, call into question the aim of optimizing solar arrays solely in terms of accumulated electrical power. Thus, this work studies solar arrays in terms of value, as an accumulated product of electrical power and price, where solar arrays that generate greater electrical power over more profitable early- and late-day hours yield improved value. Experimental, theoretical, and economic analyses are given to characterize the industry-standard angled-panel, an alternative V-groove, and a new U-groove array over a 5-year study. The trends and projections suggest that the industry-standard angled-panel array realizes the best value-based performance at present, although it will likely be outperformed in the foreseeable future by the V-groove array.
Highlights
The experimental and theoretical analyses are integrated within overarching economic analyses of the arrays to contrast their generated value of electricity versus incurred cost. This is done for a 5-year study in the locale of Bakersfield, California, which is subject to high solar penetration and prominent Duck Curve characteristics
The performance levels of the proposed solar arrays are linked to market conditions by way of the geometric value density (GVD) and geometric cost density (GCD), which are shown in Figure 3 for a 5-year history at the stated location in California (35◦ N, 119◦ W)
The identification of future value-based trends is important for planning and design of new solar arrays, but such a goal is hampered by uncertainty in electricity prices and infrastructure costs
Summary
Rising demand for energy and climatic implications have led to growing reliance on renewable energy sources, with solar energy at the forefront. This can drastically affect electricity prices, as the PV overgeneration at midday hours causes a dip, in the form of a belly, and the escalating demand at late-day hours triggers a sharp rise, in the form of a neck This bimodal profile for electricity prices emerged in locales with high solar penetration, such as California, where it was first identified in 2013 by the California Independent System Operator (CAISO). The experimental and theoretical analyses are integrated within overarching economic analyses of the arrays to contrast their generated value of electricity versus incurred cost This is done for a 5-year study in the locale of Bakersfield, California, which is subject to high solar penetration and prominent Duck Curve characteristics. It is hoped that the work put forward here can become a framework for optimization of solar arrays under the emerging value-based paradigm
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