A consumer-based approach to the design of distributed energy systems with solar photovoltaic generation

Abstract

This paper describes how the design of distributed energy systems (DES) with renewable energy sources, particularly solar photovoltaic (PV) generation, could be improved with an approach based on the management of electricity consumption and behavior of end-users. With the use of HOMER Grid software, a grid-connected DES with three different load profiles has been designed, simulated, and compared in terms of performance and cost-effectiveness. Using demand flexibility to shift consumer loads throughout the day to better match the availability of renewable energy sources could represent a valuable key to enhancing DES development with regulated customers by increasing the penetration of renewables in the energy mix and subsequently increasing savings on utility bills.