Store-on grid scheme model for grid-tied solar photovoltaic systems for industrial sector application: Costs analysis

Abstract

A store-on grid scheme model is proposed to facilitate grid-tied rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) systems implementation in developing countries. Using Uganda as a case study, the proposed model’s costs analysis results were compared to time of use rating model for energy consumption results of an industry by considering solar PV system performance and daily energy demand. The proposed model’s results revealed that the prosumer should be charged a fee of 5.14 ¢/kWh by the grid operator for storing solar PV generated energy on battery energy storage system. Also, the utility operator could sellback energy to the prosumer at 17.03 ¢/kWh under the proposed model. Comparison of the models’ results revealed that the proposed model reduces the energy costs of the prosumer by about 12.5% compared to under time of use rating model. Also, implementation of rooftop solar PV by an industry could guarantee energy security by meeting about 84% of the annual energy demand by using solar PV energy generated. Also, under the proposed model, the prosumer could feed about 20% of total annual generated solar PV energy to the grid. The proposed SoG model is replicable and applicable to any location worldwide with the utilization of the appropriate datasets.