Title: Evaluation, comparison and selection of photovoltaic systems

Authors: Olga V. Shepovalova

Addresses: VIESH-Renewable Energy Sources (VIESH-RES), 1-St. Veshnyakovsky Proezd, 2, Moscow 109456, Russia

Abstract: A general method of comparison, evaluation and selection of photovoltaic (PV) systems of the same type is presented. The method is based on provided or inferred from specifications system's technical parameters. Stand-alone and grid backed up (with no feed to the utilities) PV systems have been considered. General requirements for PV system selection and evaluation ensuring required system operability and operational efficiency have been presented. Generic principles of determination and evaluation of PV systems characteristics have been considered. The described method is mainly targeting at PV engineers and customers considering purchasing of PV systems. It can be also applied to PV projects evaluation, used for feasibility studies or bidding on PV systems, etc.

Keywords: photovoltaic (PV) systems; comparison; evaluation and selection; off-grid PV systems; stand-alone PV systems; grid backed up PV systems; sustainable development; general requirements; selection criterions; significant output parameters; characteristic days.

DOI: 10.1504/PIE.2019.099359

Progress in Industrial Ecology, An International Journal, 2019 Vol.13 No.2, pp.187 - 203

Received: 03 May 2018
Accepted: 19 Nov 2018

Published online: 29 Apr 2019 *

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