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Practical aspects of photovoltaic technology, applications and cost (revised). Final Report

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:6139204
The purpose of this text is to provide the reader with the background, understanding, and computational tools needed to master the practical aspects of photovoltaic (PV) technology, application, and cost. The focus is on stand-alone, silicon solar cell, flat-plate systems in the range of 1 to 25 kWh/day output. Technology topics covered include operation and performance of each of the major system components (e.g., modules, array, battery, regulators, controls, and instrumentation), safety, installation, operation and maintenance, and electrical loads. Application experience and trends are presented. Indices of electrical service performance - reliability, availability, and voltage control - are discussed, and the known service performance of central station electric grid, diesel-generator, and PV stand-alone systems are compared. PV system sizing methods are reviewed and compared, and a procedure for rapid sizing is described and illustrated by the use of several sample cases. The rapid sizing procedure yields an array and battery size that corresponds to a minimum cost system for a given load requirement, insulation condition, and desired level of service performance. PV system capital cost and levelized energy cost are derived as functions of service performance and insulation. Estimates of future trends in PV system costs are made.
Research Organization:
Michigan Univ., Ann Arbor (USA)
OSTI ID:
6139204
Report Number(s):
N-85-35472; NASA-CR-174963
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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Related Subjects

14 SOLAR ENERGY
140600* -- Solar Energy-- Photovoltaic Power Systems
COMPARATIVE EVALUATIONS
CONVERSION
DIRECT ENERGY CONVERTERS
ECONOMIC ANALYSIS
ECONOMICS
ENERGY CONVERSION
EQUIPMENT
FLAT PLATE COLLECTORS
PERFORMANCE
PHOTOELECTRIC CELLS
PHOTOVOLTAIC CELLS
PHOTOVOLTAIC POWER PLANTS
POWER PLANTS
SILICON SOLAR CELLS
SOLAR CELLS
SOLAR COLLECTORS
SOLAR ENERGY CONVERSION
SOLAR EQUIPMENT
SOLAR POWER PLANTS
TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT