Economic study of a photovoltaic system for self-energy supply in a small vegetable’s producer company

Abstract

Renewable energies have brought a solution for permanent and inexhaustible energy management. The applications are numerous and every day more accessible for smaller companies that need to reduced their energy expenses. This paper studies and analyses the economic impact of solar energy installation on a small farm close to Quillón, Chile, a little town whose economy is mainly based on fruits and vegetables production. The proposed methodology divides the analysis into three cases, which determine the selection of the number of panels according to (1) supplying of the total demand in the month with the highest solar irradiation, (2) supplying of the total demand in the month with the lowest solar irradiation, and (3) supplying the total demand without having energy excesses injected into the grid, but only produce for self-supplying. All the cases are studied and therefore the decision may follow the economic aspect of investment in the short, middle, and long term. Thus, these alternatives are visible for producers to take the option that best fits them.