Abstract
A 2.5-kW photovoltaic (PV) system with battery storage to supply emergency power was designed and installedin a 1200-ft2 apartment unit in collaboration with the Greensboro Housing Authority (GHA) to test the performance of agrid-connected PV system. The power generation system was interconnected with the local electric utility grid to allow forthe grid to be used as a supplemental source of electric power. The highest monthly normalized electricity yield was observedduring the study period in May and June (119.04 and 119.44 kWh/kWp, respectively). The yearly PV system conversionefficiency was calculated to be 4.28% for the year of 2003 based on the local solar radiation data. Assuming a 25-year usefullife on equipment, based on the findings from the test of the system, the electricity that was produced cost approximately$0.4661 per kilowatt-hour (kWh). This cost is much higher than the unit price of electricity (about 8 cents per kWh) chargedby the local utility. The future cost for the solar electricity with reduced cost and improved performance was also analyzed.
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