On-grid and hybrid solar power plants comparabilityin Semarang city, Indonesia

Abstract

The electricity produced by an on-grid system can be sold to the state electricity company in Indonesian (PLN), when electricity produced by a hybrid system can be stored in batteries for self-consumption. This research will compare the savings between on-grid and hybrid system with the most profitable between both systems. The research method will utilize a simulation on PVSyst software for assessing technical feasibility and Retscreen software to calculate economic feasibility. The research results are obtained based on the comparison of both systems which are the Hybrid system used with a 1,200 Wp panel, 2 series 24V 100 Ah batteries, and a 1,500 W inverter, while On-grid system uses a 1,200 Wp panel and 1,500 W inverter. The On-grid design will produce electrical energy of 4,57 kWh/kWp/day with an initial investment value of USD 1,733.70 while the Hybrid design will produce 4,04 kWh/Kwp/day with an initial investment value of USD 1,871.63 for a 24 years project period and with approximately four times batteries replacement. The NPV value in the Hybrid system calculated is USD 1.43 and in the On-grid system is USD 1,700. Therefore, the Hybrid system is considered not economically feasible and does not gain more profit than On-grid System.