Sizing and cost estimation methodology for stand-alone residential PV power system

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This paper investigates the sizing and costing methodology for a stand-alone photovoltaic (SAPV) power system based on the number of sunshine hours available in the world. The sizing and costing of the PV system for the electrical load of 3.65 kWh/day was presented in this paper for different continents of the world. The unit cost of electricity generated from the PV system was determined based on their life cycle cost analysis. The capital cost and unit cost of electricity for the SAPV systems were evaluated as $9,198/kWp and $0.6/kWh respectively for India. The total CO2 emission mitigated by the PV power system in its lifespan was estimated at 63 tons which correspond to the carbon credits of $2,048.

Conclusion

In summary, the PV power systems can play a major role which has a potential to convert sunlight energy directly to electrical energy at low operating and maintenance costs and without noise and environment pollution. Hence, this power system is eco-friendly, reliable and a sustainable solution for the near future of the world.

Authors : Arvind Chel, G.N. Tiwari and Avinash Chandra

Arvind Chel received his BE (Mechanical) in 2001 from Government Engineering College, Aurangabad (Maharastra) and MTech(Energy Systems Engg.) in 2004 from IIT Bombay (Mumbai). He is pursuing his PhD from Centre for Energy Studies, IIT Delhi, (New Delhi). His subjects of interest are thermodynamics, heat and mass transfer, RAC, IC engines, engineering mechanics and drawing.
G.N. Tiwari received his MSc and PhD degrees in 1972 and 1976 respectively from BHU. His areas of research are solar distillation, water/air heating system, greenhouse technology and hybrid PV thermal systems. He has guided 52 PhDs, published over 400 research papers in journals of repute and authored 15 books.
Avinash Chandra received his MSc, MPhil and PhD degrees from AMU, Aligarh and joined the Physics Department at IIT Delhi. He is a Professor at Centre for Energy Studies, IIT Delhi. He has set up experiments related with seeded combustion flames, electrode and wall plasma interactions. Earlier, he was with School of Electrical Engineering at Sydney University, Australia as a Post-doctoral Fellow during 1980–81.

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