Physical, Geographical, Technical, and Economic Potential for the Optimal Configuration of Photovoltaic Systems Using a Digital Surface Model and Optimization Method

Abstract

The main objective of this paper is to determine the optimal configuration of photovoltaic systems for maximum photovoltaic potential in the observed area using a digital surface model and a new optimization approach. The paper describes the physical, geographical, technical, and economic potential for the optimal configuration of photovoltaic systems using a digital surface model. The essential emphasis of the paper is to present a new and different approach for determining the economic potential, which can significantly influence the decision to install photovoltaic systems. For the further successful integration of photovoltaic systems into networks and for the successful establishment of appropriate policies and directives, it is essential to properly assess the photovoltaic potential. Based on the described methodology, the potential determination is made for a completed area of 75,537 m 2 using the observed area’s digital surface model. The annual values of physical, geographical, technical and economic potentials were 19.57 GWh, 7.54 GWh, 875.50 MWh, and 19.64 kWh. The methodologies presented in the paper are based on detailed data on the intensity of solar radiation for 20 years, digital surface model of the observed area, a new optimization approach, and multi-year data on the movement of electricity prices on markets.