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Economic Comparison Between a Stand-Alone and a Grid Connected PV System vs. Grid Distance

Author

Listed:
  • Concettina Marino

    (Department of Civil, Energetic, Environmental and Material Engineering, Mediterranea University of Reggio Calabria, Reggio Calabria 89122, Italy)

  • Antonino Nucara

    (Department of Civil, Energetic, Environmental and Material Engineering, Mediterranea University of Reggio Calabria, Reggio Calabria 89122, Italy)

  • Maria Francesca Panzera

    (Department of Civil, Energetic, Environmental and Material Engineering, Mediterranea University of Reggio Calabria, Reggio Calabria 89122, Italy)

  • Matilde Pietrafesa

    (Department of Civil, Energetic, Environmental and Material Engineering, Mediterranea University of Reggio Calabria, Reggio Calabria 89122, Italy)

  • Alfredo Pudano

    (Department of Civil, Energetic, Environmental and Material Engineering, Mediterranea University of Reggio Calabria, Reggio Calabria 89122, Italy)

Abstract

The limitation of fossil fuel uses and GHG (greenhouse gases) emissions reduction are two of the main objectives of the European energy policy and global agreements that aim to contain climate changes. To this end, the building sector, responsible for important energy consumption rates, requires a significant improvement of its energetic performance, an obtainable increase of its energy efficiency and the use of renewable sources. Within this framework, in this study, we analysed the economic feasibility of a stand-alone photovoltaic (PV) plant, dimensioned in two configurations with decreasing autonomy. Their Net Present Value at the end of their life span was compared with that of the same plant in both grid-connected and storage-on-grid configurations, as well as being compared with a grid connection without PV. The analysis confirms that currently, for short distances from the grid, the most suitable PV configuration is the grid-connected one, but also that the additional use of a battery with a limited capacity (storage on grid configuration) would provide interesting savings to the user, guaranteeing a fairly energetic autonomy. Stand-alone PV systems are only convenient for the analysed site from distances of the order of 5 km, and it is worth noting that such a configuration is neither energetically nor economically sustainable due to the necessary over-dimensioning of both its generators and batteries, which generates a surplus of energy production that cannot be used elsewhere and implies a dramatic cost increase and no corresponding benefits. The results have been tested for different latitudes, confirming what we found. A future drop of both batteries’ and PV generators’ prices would let the economic side of PV stand-alone systems be reconsidered, but not their energetic one, so that their use, allowing energy exchanges, results in being more appropriate for district networks. For all PV systems, avoided emissions of both local and GHG gases (CO 2 ) have been estimated.

Suggested Citation

  • Concettina Marino & Antonino Nucara & Maria Francesca Panzera & Matilde Pietrafesa & Alfredo Pudano, 2020. "Economic Comparison Between a Stand-Alone and a Grid Connected PV System vs. Grid Distance," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(15), pages 1-22, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:13:y:2020:i:15:p:3846-:d:390594
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    3. Concettina Marino & Antonino Nucara & Maria Francesca Panzera & Matilde Pietrafesa, 2023. "Greenhouse Gas Balance in the City of Reggio Calabria and Assessment of the Effects of Measures of Emission Reduction and Absorption," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(9), pages 1-24, April.
    4. Fernando del Ama Gonzalo & Belen Moreno Santamaria & José Antonio Ferrándiz Gea & Matthew Griffin & Juan A. Hernandez Ramos, 2021. "Zero Energy Building Economic and Energetic Assessment with Simulated and Real Data Using Photovoltaics and Water Flow Glazing," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(11), pages 1-20, June.
    5. Konduru Sudharshan & C. Naveen & Pradeep Vishnuram & Damodhara Venkata Siva Krishna Rao Kasagani & Benedetto Nastasi, 2022. "Systematic Review on Impact of Different Irradiance Forecasting Techniques for Solar Energy Prediction," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(17), pages 1-39, August.

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