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Techno-economic feasibility of grid-independent residential roof-top solar PV systems in Muscat, Oman.
- Source :
-
Energy Conversion & Management . Dec2018, Vol. 178, p322-334. 13p. - Publication Year :
- 2018
-
Abstract
- Highlights • Techno-economic modelling of PV/battery systems. • Novel approach developed to assess solar PV/battery technologies. • Grid-connected PV systems identified to have great potential. • Feasibility of PV/battery systems possible with >90% reduction in battery costs. • Further research and innovation in battery technologies necessary. Abstract Oman is a country characterised by high solar availability, yet very little electricity is produced using solar energy. As the residential sector is the largest consumer of electricity in Oman, we develop a novel approach, using houses in Muscat as a case study, to assess the potential of implementing roof-top solar PV/battery technologies, that operate without recourse to the electricity grid. Such systems target the complete decarbonisation of electricity demand per household and are defined in this study as grid-independent systems. The approach adopted starts with a technical assessment of grid-independent systems that evaluates the characteristics of the solar panel and the battery facility required to provide grid-independence. This is then compared to a similar grid-connected system and any techno-economic targets necessary to enhance the feasibility of residential roof-top PV systems in Muscat are identified. Such an analysis was achieved through developing a detailed techno-economic mathematical model describing four sub-systems; the solar panel DC source, the grid-independent sub-system, the grid-connected sub-system and the economic sub-system. The model was implemented in gPROMS and uses real hourly weather and climate conditions matched with real demand data, over a simulated period of 20 years. The results indicate that, in the context of the system studied, grid-independent PV systems are not feasible. However, combined with a sufficiently high electricity price, grid-independent systems can become economically feasible only with significant reductions in battery costs (>90% reductions). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 01968904
- Volume :
- 178
- Database :
- Academic Search Index
- Journal :
- Energy Conversion & Management
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 132854269
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enconman.2018.10.021