Photovoltaics: A Dispatchable Peak-Shaving Option

Fortnightly Magazine - September 1 1995
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PV technology combined with storage offers a cost-effective alternative to capacity additions.By John Byrne,

Young-Doo Wang,

Ralph Nigro, and

Steven E. Letendre

Until recently, both regulators and electric utilities have considered photovoltaic (PV) technology (i.e., solar cells) an unattractive

energy-supply option because of its relatively high cost. Now, however, a number of utilities have shown interest in using PV for peak-shaving. Analyses of the Mid-Atlantic region (which has an average insolation rate of only 1,550 Kwh/m2/yr) indicate that PV deployed in a peak-shaving role is cost-effective if modest targets for improved efficiency and cost reductions in PV modules are met, or if nontraditional environmental and distribution benefits are included.

A PV system's peak load-reduction capacity is ordinarily equal to the power it generates at any moment. However, integrating PV technology with storage makes it possible to displace a load greater than an array's output at peak demand periods. This application is currently being tested at Delmarva Power & Light Co. (DP&L), and will be tested at four additional sites in 1995 as part of the PV:BONUS program under a contract with the U.S. Department of Energy.

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