Abstract
Microgeneration of electricity using solar photovoltaic (PV) systems is a sustainable form of renewable energy, however uptake in Ireland remains very low. The aim of this study is to assess the potential of the community-based roof top solar PV microgeneration system to supply electricity to the grid, and to explore a crowd funding mechanism for community ownership of microgeneration projects. A modelled microgeneration project was developed: the electricity load profiles of 68 residential units were estimated; a community-based roof top solar PV system was designed; an electricity network model, based on a real network supplying a town and its surrounding areas, was created; and power flow analysis on the electrical network for system peak and minimum loads was carried out. The embodied energy, energy payback time, GHG payback time, carbon credits and financial cost relating to the proposed solar PV system were calculated. Different crowdfunding models were assessed. Results show the deployment of community solar PV system projects have significant potential to reduce the peak demand, smooth the load profile, assist in the voltage regulation and reduce electrical losses and deliver cost savings to distribution system operator and the consumer.
Highlights
The fifth assessment report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change [1] has concluded that human influence on the climate system is clear, and anthropogenic emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG) are the highest in history
This study provides a reference for policymakers in the country and industry practitioners to understand the approaches and processes involved in solar crowdfunding [46]
The financial payback based on Net Present Value (NPV) of the investment
Summary
The fifth assessment report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change [1] has concluded that human influence on the climate system is clear, and anthropogenic emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG) are the highest in history. In Ireland, the burning of fossil fuels for energy generation is the dominant contributor to total national GHG emissions (60% in 2017) [2]. With limited indigenous fossil energy resources, Ireland is significantly dependent on fossil fuel imports which accounted for over 90% of the primary electricity demand in. The Irish Government is committed to decrease GHG emissions and advance alternative energy sources to reduce the national dependence on fossil fuels In Ireland in 2017 only 10.6% energy supply came from renewable sources and the country was ranked 26th out of the European Union (EU)-28 for progress toward meeting 2020 renewable energy target [5]. Overall renewable energy has displaced 1.8 million tonnes of oil equivalent (Mtoe) of fossil fuel and reduced GHG emissions by 4.2 million tonnes (Mt) CO2 in 2017 (80% from generation of electricity). The renewable electricity sources include wind, hydro, biomass, renewable wastes, landfill gas, biogas and solar PV, the level of electricity generation from solar PV remains very low [5]
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