Large scale solar power systems construction and economics

What is a large-scale solar photovoltaic (LSS-PV) system?

Solar energy is the sun’s energy that has been harnessed by humans. Large-scale solar photovoltaic (LSS-PV) system is the arrangement of hundreds of thousands or millions of photovoltaic (PV) panels arranged to generate energy which can generate energy up to 1 MW at least.

Can grid-connected PV power generation be used in large-scale applications?

Through techno-economic evaluation, grid-connected PV power generation has a good potential for large-scale applications. Nevertheless, users of grid-connected PV power generation still consume electricity from the power grid because of incomplete autarky.

Does China have a large-scale consumption of PV power generation?

In this study, some parameter settings are specific to the Chinese situation. However, our conclusions have policy implications for the large-scale consumption of PV power generation in China and other countries. In 2014, China's PV cumulative installed capacity reached 28.05 GW. Currently, supportive policies in China focus on the national level.

How are grid-connected and off-grid PV systems evaluated?

Grid-connected and off-grid PV systems are examined by techno-economic evaluation. The levelized cost of energy (LCOE) of PV systems is calculated for five regions. The grid parity of PV power generation in China is estimated using learning curves. Grid parity varies across regions based on solar radiation and electricity prices.

Can grid-connected PV systems meet the electric demand of a residential building?

One of the main innovations is choosing five Chinese cities in different areas of solar radiation as research objects, which enables regional differentiation in calculating levelized cost of energy (LCOE). The results show that grid-connected PV systems with 3 kW PV modules can meet the electric demand of a 60–90 m 2 residential building.

Which region has the highest LCOE of PV system?

The highest LCOE of PV system (0.598 RMB Yuan/kWh) appears in Chongqing which has the lowest solar radiation. Xigaze is the only place where the LCOE of the PV power generation system is lower than the local retail price. But this region is located in a remote area where the power grid is difficult to construct.