Stand-alone flat-plate photovoltaic power systems: system sizing and life-cycle costing methodology for federal agencies
A simple methodology to estimate photovoltaic system size and life-cycle costs in stand-along applications is presented in this document. It is designed to assist engineers at government agencies in determining the feasibility of using small stand-alone photovoltaic systems to supply ac or dc power to the load. Photovoltaic system design considerations are presented as well as the equations for sizing the flat-plate array and the battery storage to meet the required load. Cost effectiveness of a candidate photovoltaic system is based on comparison with the life-cycle cost of alternative systems. Examples of alternative systems addressed herein are batteries, diesel generators, the utility grid, and other renewable energy systems. A companion document, Flat-Plate Photovoltaic Power Systems Handbook for Federal Agencies (Reference 10), is recommended for discussion of issues for evaluating the viability of potential photovoltaic applications; descriptions of present photovoltaic system applications; synthesis of lessons learned from photovoltaic system design, installation, and operation; and identification of procurement strategies for federal agencies.
- Research Organization:
- Jet Propulsion Lab., Pasadena, CA (USA)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AI01-76ET20356
- OSTI ID:
- 6508951
- Report Number(s):
- DOE/ET/20356-16; JPL-PUB-84-37; ON: DE85000328
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
140300 -- Solar Energy-- Economic
Industrial
& Business Aspects
140600* -- Solar Energy-- Photovoltaic Power Systems
COMPARATIVE EVALUATIONS
COST
ELECTRIC BATTERIES
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
ELECTROCHEMICAL CELLS
ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT
EQUIPMENT
INSOLATION
INVERTERS
LIFE-CYCLE COST
PHOTOVOLTAIC POWER SUPPLIES
POWER DEMAND
POWER SUPPLIES
SIZING
SOLAR EQUIPMENT
VOLTAGE REGULATORS