Optimal Sizing and Cost Minimization of Solar Photovoltaic Power System Considering Economical Perspectives and Net Metering Schemes

Abdul Rauf,Mahmoud Kassas,Ali T Al-Awami,Muhammad Khalid

doi:10.3390/electronics10212713

Abdul Rauf, Mahmoud Kassas + Show 2 more

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https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics10212713

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Journal: Electronics	Publication Date: Nov 7, 2021
Citations: 10	License type: CC BY 4.0

Affiliation: King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals

Abstract

In this paper, economic feasibility of installing small-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) system is studied at the residential and commercial buildings from an end-user perspective. Based on given scenarios, the best sizing methodology of solar PV system installation has been proposed focusing primarily on the minimum payback period under given (rooftop) area for solar PV installation by the customer. The strategy is demonstrated with the help of a case study using real-time monthly load profile data of residential as well as commercial load/customers and current market price for solar PVs and inverters. In addition, sensitivity analysis has also been carried out to examine the effectiveness of net metering scheme for fairly high participation from end users. Since Saudi Arabia’s Electricity and Co-generation Regulatory Authority (ECRA) has recently approved and published the net metering scheme for small-scale solar PV systems allowing end users to generate and export energy surplus to the utility grid, the proposed scheme has become vital and its practical significance is justified with figures and graphs obtained through computer simulations.

Highlights

Renewable energy sources (RES) are the key to sustainable energy development as these are inexhaustible and non-polluting [1]
This paper presents the economic perspective of using net metering scheme applied for solar PV in Saudi Arabia as a recently approved and published scheme for net metering for small-scale solar PV systems by Saudi Arabia’s Electricity and Co-generation Regulatory
This study is performed to provide residential and commercial load customers a clear expression as to the size of their solar PV system based on their yearly load profile in order to minimize payback period

Summary

Introduction

Renewable energy sources (RES) are the key to sustainable energy development as these are inexhaustible and non-polluting [1]. The technologies used in RES have been improved day by day, and upgraded RES generation units are commercially available in markets [2]. Most distinguished resources include solar photovoltaic (PV), wind power, solar thermal systems, and biomass. Many studies have been performed in order to optimize the size and operation of such plants [3,4,5]. Solar PV is one of the longest lasting, easy to handle, and environmentally friendly energy supplies developed by recent research. The use of solar PV avoids depletion of fossil fuel resources and environment pollution through carbon emissions, oil spills, and toxic by-products.

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