Abstract
Commercial grid-connected rooftop solar PV systems are widely applied worldwide as part of affordable and clean energy initiatives and viable long-term solutions for energy security. This is particularly true in a crowded city where space is a constraint and at the same time, there are unutilized rooftops. With the recently announced Net Energy Metering (NEM) 3.0, commercial buildings in Malaysia can apply up to 75% capacity of the maximum demand (MD), which can be connected to the grid. Apart from reducing electricity bills, the owner can offset energy for 10 years. This paper presents a design analysis with the details of the sizing of a rooftop PV system. The PVsyst software tool is used to estimate the energy produced by a 380 kWp system, and this study provides a financial analysis to evaluate the profitability of the system with a particular interest in commercial buildings under the NEM 3.0 policy, which has resulted in 8.4 years return of investment (ROI). PVsyst is a software used to size the PV system and provides technical, financial, and environmental analysis. This in-depth analysis could provide a useful case study for asset owners in deciding the way forward for sustainable energy production, cost saving, and combating the energy security issue, since Malaysia is blessed with an abundance of sunshine throughout the year.
Highlights
A bidirectional interface is made between the PV system, AC output circuits, and the electric utility network; typically, an onsite distribution panel or service entrance [30,31,32] allows the AC power produced by the PV system to either supply onsite electrical loads or to back feed the grid when the PV system output is greater than the onsite load demand
The PV system size is obtained through the electricity profile of the consumer where the final design cost of the kWh produced using the PV system must be less than the price of the grid tariff
After sizing the system according to 75% maximum demand (MD), the PV system production could only cover 380 kW of electricity demand
Summary
Energy plays a key role in the advancement and development of human activity and a brighter future. Since the sun is available everywhere, solar energy is widely used by most countries, including developing countries. It is used in Malaysia under various government policies. These policies are implemented to encourage the use of green energy and support small and large projects [2,3]. The consumer that falls under this category only is able to implement 75% of the maximum demand according to the size of the PV power plant. This gives the motivation to test this policy profitability financially and assess its technical and environmental impact
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