Urban market response for solar photovoltaic systems: An economic appraisal - South Indian case study

Journal Article · Wed Sep 01 00:00:00 EDT 1993 · Solar Energy (Journal of Solar Energy Science and Engineering); (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/0038-092X(93)90101-S· OSTI ID:5590128

Kumar, S; Varadarajan, R

Electricity consumption in developing countries is increasing rapidly and even though governments commission large power plants - thermal, hydro, and nuclear - there is gap between the total capacities planned and the actual installed capacities. This has led to frequent and long power shortages to consumers, who respond by using emergency stand-by systems during power cuts. This article reports the results of a survey conducted in an urban area in South India among the commercial sector establishments to ascertain whether there is any potential for the use of solar photovoltaic systems (SPVS) as an emergency electricity supplying unit for lighting applications. Data regarding the lighting load, the duration of power shortages were obtained. The opinions of the establishments in installing SPVS were ascertained. A comparison of the economics of SPVS, a conventional engine-driven electricity generating a stand-by emergency system, and a battery system charged from the grid shows that SPVS is economically attractive. Other important advantages of SPVS have been highlighted.

• OSTI ID: 5590128
• Journal Information: Solar Energy (Journal of Solar Energy Science and Engineering); (United States), Vol. 51:3; ISSN 0038-092X
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

14 SOLAR ENERGY
ELECTRIC POWER
LOAD MANAGEMENT
PHOTOVOLTAIC POWER PLANTS
ECONOMIC ANALYSIS
BLACKOUTS
COMMERCIAL SECTOR
DEVELOPING COUNTRIES
LIGHTING LOADS
SHORTAGES
SOLAR POWER PLANTS
ECONOMICS
MANAGEMENT
POWER
POWER PLANTS
140600* - Solar Energy- Photovoltaic Power Systems
140300 - Solar Energy- Economic
Industrial
& Business Aspects