Photovoltaic systems: an end-of-millennium review

Thomas, Michael G.; Post, H.N.; DeBlasio, R.

doi:10.1002/(sici)1099-159x(199901/02)7:1<1::aid-pip251>3.0.co;2-x

Cited by 28 publications

(14 citation statements)

References 3 publications

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“…However, a number of loss mechanisms substantially decrease the actual ac power of the system from the rated dc power. These losses 12 include module mismatch, wiring, diodes, soiling, operating temperature, shading and inverter dc-to-ac conversion. In contrast, some factors can increase output.…”

Section: System Power Performancementioning

confidence: 99%

Photovoltaic power plant experience at Arizona Public Service: a 5‐year assessment

Moore

Post

Hayden³

et al. 2005

Progress in Photovoltaics

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Arizona Public Service (APS) currently has over 4Á9 MW dc of grid-connected photovoltaic systems that have been installed in its service territory over the past five years. Most of this installed PV capacity is in support of the Arizona Corporation Commission Environmental Portfolio Standard goal that encourages APS to generate 1Á1% of its energy generation through renewable resources by 2007, with 60% of that amount from solar. During this time, much has been learned regarding performance, cost, maintenance, installation and design. This paper presents an assessment of these topics and a perspective associated with this PV experience.

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Section: System Power Performancementioning

confidence: 99%

Photovoltaic power plant experience at Arizona Public Service: a 5‐year assessment

Moore

Post

Hayden³

et al. 2005

Progress in Photovoltaics

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“…3 Electrical field performance of a number of installed systems has been examined extensively and performance databases [4][5][6] have been developed. However, as PV attempts to expand into potential markets, questions regarding PV system lifecycle cost (LCC) are bringing a renewed interest in the operation and maintenance (O&M) experience and cost from installed systems.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Operation and maintenance field experience for off-grid residential photovoltaic systems

Canada¹,

Moore²,

Post³

et al. 2005

Prog. Photovolt: Res. Appl.

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The field performance of photovoltaic systems has been studied extensively for many applications and a number of databases exist in the United States and internationally. However, these databases focus almost exclusively on the system elecrical performance. Published information on the operation and maintenance (O&M) experience and costs for photovoltaic systems is almost nonexistent. At a time when photovoltaics is being considered as a viable option for distributed energy generation, it is critical that maintenance experience be captured to identify lifecycle costs and/or levelized energy costs for these systems, as well as to identify areas for system and component improvements. This paper addresses the data collection, analysis and results of an offgrid residential customer service program offered by the Arizona Public Service (APS) Company over a six-year period from 1997 through 2002. Standardized, packaged photovoltaic systems were offered and operated by APS through a lease arrangement with customers throughout the state of Arizona. The operation and maintenance records for these systems were carefully tracked and analyzed. The O&M costs, database development, cost drivers, lifecycle cost implications, and lessons learned are presented and discussed. Published in 2004 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.key words: photovoltaic systems; operation and maintenance; off-grid residential; utility photovoltaics; database; field experience INTRODUCTION R eductions in the manufacturing costs of photovoltaic (PV) modules 1 coupled with improvements in the balance-of-system hardware 2 have made PV systems an increasingly viable alternate energy option for a variety of applications. 3 Electrical field performance of a number of installed systems has been examined extensively and performance databases 4-6 have been developed. However, as PV attempts to expand into potential markets, questions regarding PV system lifecycle cost (LCC) are bringing a renewed interest in the operation and maintenance (O&M) experience and cost from installed systems. A recent study 7 of grid-tied and stand-alone systems installed throughout the United States over the period [1995][1996][1997][1998][1999][2000][2001][2002] concludes that 50% of the systems were installed improperly, having deficiencies in safety, durability, and/or performance. The impact Contract/grant sponsor: US DOE National Nuclear Security Administration; contract grant number: DE-AC04-94AL85000. Applicationsof these deficiencies on the long-term viability of PV systems is yet another compelling reason to gather and analyze O&M data. Unfortunately, published information on O&M field experience and cost is nearly nonexistent. Why is this information so important? Compiling and analyzing field maintenance events (component and system reliability, scheduled and unscheduled maintenance) are invaluable both from a business and from an engineering standpoint. On the business side, it enables the determination of the LCC for PV systems. The O&M costs coupled with the initial system c...

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“…6-1 [given in Harmon's paper but not reproduced here] is a log-log plot depicting the average price of PV modules as a function of cumulative installed capacity between 1968 ($90/Wp) and 1998 ($3.50/Wp). At the outset of commercialization in 1976, module costs were $51/Wp (Maycock and Wakefield, 1975;Ayres et al, 1998;Thomas et al, 1999). The resultant overall learning rate for PV modules between 1968 and 1998 is 20.2%.…”

Section: Current Levels Of Economic and Military Aidmentioning

confidence: 99%