An Economic Analysis of the Shading Effects of Transmission Lines on Photovoltaic Power Plant Investment Decisions: A Case Study

Abstract

In today’s photovoltaic (PV) power plants, traditional crystalline PV modules are the prevalent technology, which is highly susceptible to partial shading due to the risk of irreversible damage. Therefore, it is advisable to explore potential construction sites for objects that might cause shading, including high-voltage transmission towers, whose shading effects can be significant due to their height. By means of innovative simulation, using a model, validated with actual data, this study endeavored to deliver novel information related to the problems of shading by high-voltage transmission lines. In the context of Hungary, it examined the risk factors, technical and economic aspects, and possible solutions important for PV projects. It provides new insight, much needed also at the international level, considering the fact that the extent of the shadows cast by conductors on the surface at low Sun elevations is not known at present and neither are the shading characteristics of conductors between two transmission towers, depending on their height, in winter, when the Sun is low. An added practical benefit of the study is that its technical and economic approaches and the software solutions are all based on the practice of PV system design and construction. Related to the investigated issues, this can facilitate the formulation of the technical and economic aspects of suitable PV power plant building strategies in Hungary.

Efficient Reduction in the Annual Investment Costs in AC Distribution Networks via Optimal Integration of Solar PV Sources Using the Newton Metaheuristic Algorithm

“…To solve the complex MINLP model defined by ( 1)- (11) in this research, we adopted a recently developed combinatorial optimization method named the Newton metaheuristic algorithm which was originally proposed in [21] to solve a discrete optimization problem regarding the optimal design of steel structures. Here, the NMA is used as the master optimization stage to define the optimal placements and sizes of the PV sources in the AC distribution network by using a discrete-continuous codification with the form presented in (12) [13]:…”

“…An important study prior to the optimal placement and sizing of PV sources in electrical networks is to explore the potential construction sites for objects that might cause shading, including high-voltage transmission towers, whose shading effects can be significant due to their height since these natural or artificial obstacles can significantly reduce the expected efficiency of the PV generation system. All of these aspects were carefully analyzed by the authors of [12].…”

Benefit Analysis of Grid-Connected Floating Photovoltaic System on the Hydropower Reservoir

“…In this paper, the layout and environmental impact assessment, national economy analysis, and plant financial analysis (taking into account the sensitivity analysis results [8,26]) have been carried out. All these specific objectives highlight the great benefits for implementing the plant, especially taking advantage of the available space, helping to protect the environment and regulate the climate, replacing the PV plants installed on agricultural land, forest land, and buildings (in the case of ground-mounted PV power plants, a great dilemma facing investors concerning the ratio of the useful area is posed by the need to take the transmission towers and their conductors into consideration, since their shading effects are extremely great and significant) [35]. Therefore, the floating PV plants will provide higher electricity output than the conventional ones and increase economic benefits.…”

Modeling, Simulation, and Experimental Analysis of a Photovoltaic and Biogas Hybrid Renewable Energy System for Electrification of Rural Community

“…[32] When designing photovoltaic systems, it is essential to consider risk factors and objects that can cause shadings, such as trees, and high-voltage power transmission lines, along with high-rise buildings that take significant shading impacts because of their height. [33] Due to partial shading on PV modules, solar PV cells operate as an electric load, converting the energy into heat. During this state, photovoltaic cells can act as current sources, and significant localized dissipation happens when the current of PV cells connected in a series fluctuates.…”

“…[34] The shading impacts of buildings, high voltage power transmission line poles as well conductors between them must be considered to prevent the effect of hot spot and make the optimum usage of the accessible space. [33] Several developed and developing countries plan to shift to photovoltaic energy to encounter the energy needs of their increasing populations [35,36] and enhance the efficiency of their national utility networks. [37,38] Bioenergy refers to electricity, gases, heat, and fuel for vehicles produced from biomass resources.…”