Residential versus communal combination of photovoltaic and battery in smart energy systems

This paper presents an analysis of small consumers’ involvement in smart island energy systems with a focus on the technical feasibility of photovoltaic (PV) systems in combination with batteries. Two approaches may be observed in the literature: the optimisation on a household level with the aim of being self-reliant versus coordinated and collective technologies with increased integration across sectors and energy carriers. Thus, for household systems, the placement of a battery – whether aggregated communal or residential – creates the basis for this investigation. The study is based on the case of the Danish island Samsø for which the two battery approaches are simulated using the energy system simulation model EnergyPLAN. Results indicate a tendency towards communal batteries being more favourable from a systems perspective – while on the other hand, residential batteries are more motivating and involving the consumers. The importance of minimizing flows to and from the grid as a result of fluctuating energy sources is addressed in both approaches. While residential batteries improve the individual household electricity supply, a communal battery would further regulate other inputs and demands.