Technical and economical evaluation of the photovoltaic system in Brazilian public buildings: A case study for peak and off-peak hours.

An analysis of Brazilian public costs indicates that, although a significant part of its financial resources is destined for electricity consumption, only a small portion of the distributed generation belongs to public institutions. A technical and economic analysis of a PV power plant in the Brazilian public sector was proposed and various scenarios were evaluated, indicating that a change in the Brazilian tariff policy could be an alternative for boosting PV generation in the public sector. Risk analysis demonstrated that the minimum acceptable rate of return is the variable that most affects the system's viability. In addition, a Monte Carlo Simulation (MCS) showed that the proposed PV system has a viability probability higher than 92%. A statistical analysis indicated that the system has a probability of at least 80% for supplying more than 25% of the building's peak demand for all seasons. Finally, such systems have also been found to represent an alternative for improving the electricity grid's stability, while supplying part of the building's energy demand. • A PV power plant was projected for a building of a Brazilian public university. • The variable that most affected the system viability is the MARR. • Changes in the tariff policy could boost the PV generation in the public sector. • There is an 87% chance of the maximum inverter power being reduced in at least 25%. • Similar systems can reduce the summer peak consumption in public buildings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]