A feasibility study is meant to determine whether or not a solar panel installation is both affordable and buildable. To help discern this, the study utilizes a three step method. This method is comprised of deciding the minimum required photovoltaic system, determining the costs of the system, and comparing and contrasting the final results to potential alternatives. It is essential to know the way these three steps interact in order to be aware of how the study actually reaches its final result. Additionally, it is necessary to be aware that the following is a simple overview to a feasibility study and the actual details may vary between different companies.
Step 1 - Estimating the Minimum Necessary Size of the Photovoltaic System
Four details will be combined in order to choose from available photovoltaic systems; available sunlight, size of the PV system, load, and optimum battery bank size.
The most popular method for determining the load is referred to as the bottom up approach. To make this happen for a company, all of the individual loads used in an average day need to be combined. In order to ensure the PV system delivers sufficient power, it is helpful to add a little extra to the total, which will account for inefficiencies. For businesses which are already in operation, using the monthly utility bill is usually the quickest solution.
Insolation value, which is the average level of sunlight available to PV panels on an average day during the worst month of the year, is utilized to determine the amount of sunlight accessible. Understanding of the insolation value will ensure that the organizations know that their photovoltaic systems will be able to provide ample energy all through the year.
Dividing the daily energy requirement by the amount of sun-hours per day, it's possible to determine how large a PV system needs to be. In general, systems connected to the grid will furnish between 10% and 70% of the total power required with the utility grid picking up the remainder.
The final piece of the information is the battery bank size. Almost all batteries last longer if they only discharge 20% to 30% of their power a day. Essentially, the battery should hold 4 to 5 times the daily load requirement. This not only stretches the battery life, but in addition provides enough additional power to cover any days where the PV system does not receive the expected amount of sunshine.
Step 2 - Calculating the Cost Of Photovoltaic Systems
There are several components which should be incorporated in this calculation. The first is the actual cost of the PV system. The most effective way to do this is by breaking down how many PV modules will be necessary and multiplying it by the average retail cost per module. The next factor is the cost of the battery bank. Another factor is the inverter cost. A majority of PV systems will have to have an inverter to generate AC power. Lastly, incorporate the system cost. The system cost incorporates miscellaneous elements such as wires, fuses, switches, etc. Nearly all studies utilize a factor of 20% to determine this.
Step 3 - Examining Alternatives
Once a company has the final projected cost of their photovoltaic systems, they can compare it to other options. Alternatives need to be considered, just as they do for any important business decision. Some of the most common ones include hybrid wind-solar systems, biodiesel, and diesel generators.
After this step has been executed, the feasibility study is able to distinctly establish which of the options will need the largest upfront cost. Put together with additional estimates, this study will help to make the wisest cost-effective long-term decision.
Step 1 - Estimating the Minimum Necessary Size of the Photovoltaic System
Four details will be combined in order to choose from available photovoltaic systems; available sunlight, size of the PV system, load, and optimum battery bank size.
The most popular method for determining the load is referred to as the bottom up approach. To make this happen for a company, all of the individual loads used in an average day need to be combined. In order to ensure the PV system delivers sufficient power, it is helpful to add a little extra to the total, which will account for inefficiencies. For businesses which are already in operation, using the monthly utility bill is usually the quickest solution.
Insolation value, which is the average level of sunlight available to PV panels on an average day during the worst month of the year, is utilized to determine the amount of sunlight accessible. Understanding of the insolation value will ensure that the organizations know that their photovoltaic systems will be able to provide ample energy all through the year.
Dividing the daily energy requirement by the amount of sun-hours per day, it's possible to determine how large a PV system needs to be. In general, systems connected to the grid will furnish between 10% and 70% of the total power required with the utility grid picking up the remainder.
The final piece of the information is the battery bank size. Almost all batteries last longer if they only discharge 20% to 30% of their power a day. Essentially, the battery should hold 4 to 5 times the daily load requirement. This not only stretches the battery life, but in addition provides enough additional power to cover any days where the PV system does not receive the expected amount of sunshine.
Step 2 - Calculating the Cost Of Photovoltaic Systems
There are several components which should be incorporated in this calculation. The first is the actual cost of the PV system. The most effective way to do this is by breaking down how many PV modules will be necessary and multiplying it by the average retail cost per module. The next factor is the cost of the battery bank. Another factor is the inverter cost. A majority of PV systems will have to have an inverter to generate AC power. Lastly, incorporate the system cost. The system cost incorporates miscellaneous elements such as wires, fuses, switches, etc. Nearly all studies utilize a factor of 20% to determine this.
Step 3 - Examining Alternatives
Once a company has the final projected cost of their photovoltaic systems, they can compare it to other options. Alternatives need to be considered, just as they do for any important business decision. Some of the most common ones include hybrid wind-solar systems, biodiesel, and diesel generators.
After this step has been executed, the feasibility study is able to distinctly establish which of the options will need the largest upfront cost. Put together with additional estimates, this study will help to make the wisest cost-effective long-term decision.
