Economic and Technical Aspects of Flexible Storage Photovoltaic Systems in Europe

Abstract

Solar energy has an increasing role in the global energy mix. The need for flexible storage photovoltaic systems and energy storage in electricity networks is becoming increasingly important as more generating capacity uses solar and wind energy. This paper is a study on the economic questions related to flexible storage photovoltaic systems of household size in 2018. The aim is to clarify whether it is possible in the European Union to achieve a payback of the costs of flexible storage photovoltaic system investments for residential customers considering the technology-specific storage aspects prevalent in 2018. We studied seven different flexible storage photovoltaic investments with different battery technologies in Germany, France, Italy, and Spain because, in Europe, these countries have a prominent role with regard to the spread of photovoltaic technology. These investment alternatives are studied with the help of economic indicators for the different cases of the selected countries. At the end of our paper we come to the conclusion that an investment of a flexible storage photovoltaic (PV) system with Olivine-type-LiFePO 4 , Lithium-Ion, Vented lead-acid battery (OPzS), Sealed lead-acid battery (OPzV), and Aqueous Hybrid Ion (AHI) batteries can have a positive net present value due to the high electricity prices in Germany and in Spain. The most cost-effective technology was the Olivine-type-LiFePO 4 and the Lithium-Ion at the time of the study. We suggest the provision of governmental support and uniform European modifications to the regulatory framework, especially concerning grid fees and tariffs, which would be necessary in the beginning to help to introduce these flexible storage PV systems to the market.

Dual Battery Storage System: An Optimized Strategy for the Utilization of Renewable Photovoltaic Energy in the United Kingdom

“…Figure 3 shows the power flows to the load from the utility grid, coupled with the PV and the energy storage system. The equipment and materials used for the flexible storage system include: PV modules, PV-inverters, a battery-inverter, a battery, a frame on the roof, cables, and outlets [28]. Solar PV modules consist of an assembly of solar PV cells, which convert the solar energy into direct current (DC) through the photovoltaic effect.…”

“…To overcome this drawback, a hybrid system is utilized, which consists of solar PV and a dual energy storage system connected with load [26,27]. The installation of the hybrid PV and energy storage system is economically feasible to meet the consumer load demand, as more generating capacity uses solar and wind energy [28]. Nizetic et al [29], investigated the design and performance of the hybrid system for different operating conditions, with the conclusion that the hybrid system can be a cost-effective solution for small-and medium-scale applications.…”

“…Lithium-ion batteries are promising technology because of their high reliability, high energy density, low toxicity, high reliability, high efficiency, and long-life cycle [24,49]. The average cycle stability based on the depth of discharge (DOD) for lithium-ion is 6000 (80% DOD) and for the olivine-type-LiFePO 4 , is 10,000 (100% DOD) [28].…”

Concentrating Solar Power Technologies

“…Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE) estimated for CSP is still high as compared to the other renewable technologies, as shown in Table 2 [55,[63][64][65][66].…”

Analysis of Driving Factors of Photovoltaic Power Generation Efficiency: A Case Study in China

“…Strong solar radiation [17], low energy technology costs [18], and accurate forecasting capacity [19] can effectively guarantee the financing of photovoltaic projects and the operation and maintenance after production. Garcia-Alvarez found that compared with the tariff scale and contract period, the on-grid tariff policy has a significant impact on photovoltaic power generation [20], and policymakers should make special modifications to grid tariffs and electricity prices to help excellent PV systems enter the market [21]. The research by Ding showed that residents in different regions have different expectations for photovoltaic power generation facilities.…”