Modelling the potential capacity of PV systems to reduce peak electricity loads

Weinholz, D.P., Harries, D.N. and Pryor, T. (2009) Modelling the potential capacity of PV systems to reduce peak electricity loads. In: 29th ISES Biennial Solar World Congress, ISES 2009, 11 - 14 October, Johannesburg, South Africa

Abstract

Various financial instruments are being used to increase the uptake of photovoltaic (PV) systems. One argument for doing so is that PV systems have a particularly good capacity to reduce summer peak loads. The actual extent to which PV systems are able to do so, however, cannot be determined precisely without either installing PV systems and measuring their impacts, or undertaking modelling using meteorological and electricity load data. Although the latter approach has the advantages of being low cost, quick to implement and the ability to assess the impacts of different amounts of PV installed at various locations across a grid, it can also be problematic as solar radiation data and electricity load data tend to be recorded using different time measurement systems. Solar radiation data from three locations on the electricity grid in Western Australia were used in conjunction with historic electricity load data to model the impacts of various PV penetrations, locations and arrangements of PV systems. The results are used to draw conclusions on the capacity of PV systems to reduce peak loads and on the value of, and issues associated with, using modelling based on aligned electricity load and solar radiation data to inform policy and decision making.

Item Type:	Conference Paper
Murdoch Affiliation(s):	School of Engineering and Energy
URI:	http://researchrepository.murdoch.edu.au/id/eprint/13680

Item Control Page