The techno-economic feasibility of providing solar photovoltaic backup power

The availability of energy is a key factor affecting sustainable development. Consumers losing electricity supply due to constraints on electrical power utilities is very common in developing countries. In this paper, the technical and economic feasibility of using solar photovoltaics (PV) as a grid independent backup power source (which can match the existing consumer load profiles) is investigated. A system design methodology that takes into account the seasonal variation in load profiles is developed based on load analysis, PVGIS (Photovoltaic Geographic Information System) pre-sizing and PVsyst system performance simulations. This paper presents a case study that involves system design based on residential loads and weather conditions of a specific area. The technical and economic performances of a backup system, a grid-connected system, and a standalone system with scheduled load are compared. Impact of shading, a common uncertainty which affects the technical performance of PV systems, on the backup system is also investigated. Results demonstrate the trade-offs in providing solar PV backup power for load matching.