LAPSE:2024.1994
Published Article
LAPSE:2024.1994
Broad-Spectrum Technical and Economic Assessment of a Solar PV Park: A Case Study in Portugal
António Farracho, Rui Castro
August 28, 2024
While technical optimization focuses on maximizing the annual energy yield of utility-scale PV parks, the ultimate goal for power plant owners is to maximize investment profit. This paper aims to bridge the gap between technical and economic approaches by using simulation data from a real-case utility-scale PV park. It analyzes how changes in configuration parameters such as the DC−AC ratio and string length and PV technologies like solar tracking systems and bifacial modules impact the economic metrics of the project, i.e., net present value (NPV) and internal rate of return (IRR). PVSyst software was utilized as a simulation tool, while in-house developed software implementing appropriate technical and economic models served as a comparison platform and was used to validate the outputs generated through PVSyst. Results indicate that the commonly used horizontal single-axis tracking configuration may economically underperform compared with fixed-tilt setups. The optimal DC−AC ratio fell within the range of 1.30 to 1.35. Extending the string length from 25 to 28 modules improved economic indexes. Additionally, fixed-tilt bifacial modules can enhance project economics if a 10% cost premium compared with standard monofacial PV modules is considered.
Keywords
bifacial modules, DC–AC ratio, string length, tracking systems, utility-scale solar PV park
Suggested Citation
Farracho A, Castro R. Broad-Spectrum Technical and Economic Assessment of a Solar PV Park: A Case Study in Portugal. (2024). LAPSE:2024.1994
Author Affiliations
Farracho A: Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal
Castro R: INESC-ID/IST, University of Lisbon, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal [ORCID]
Journal Name
Processes
Volume
12
Issue
6
First Page
1143
Year
2024
Publication Date
2024-06-01
ISSN
2227-9717
Version Comments
Original Submission
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PII: pr12061143, Publication Type: Journal Article
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LAPSE:2024.1994
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https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12061143
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Aug 28, 2024
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