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New Report On Methods For Calculating Solar Capacity
(Space Daily Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) As utilities work to meet electricity demand, especially during peak summer days, examining the relationship between demand and solar photovoltaic (PV) output can be of significant value to the utility industry. Over the years, energy researchers have developed different statistical methods for calculating this relationship.
However, there is no consensus across the utility or solar industries on a statistical method for calculating the capacity value of PV or its practical use in electricity markets and utility planning.
The new report, Photovoltaic Capacity Valuation Methods, released by the Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA) in consultation with project partners, and funded in part by the U.S. Department of Energy's Solar America Initiative, examines the variety of capacity calculation methods in use, and lays the foundation for building consensus within the solar industry, electric utility, and research communities.
Utilities use a variety of means to plan and manage the electricity grid to meet consumer demand, traditionally by managing a dispatchable centralized generation and transmission grid. PV technologies have an intuitively positive relationship with peak electrical demand even though their output can fluctuate-hot summer days with significant air conditioning load are often the most productive for generating solar electricity.
Despite this qualitative relationship, there isn't consensus on the most appropriate quantitative method or their use within the utility industry. As the PV industry continues to grow rapidly in the United States, integrating renewable technologies into the utility grid management and economic valuation process is an important step in recognizing the value-added benefits that PV can contribute, stated Mike Taylor, SEPA's director of research.
The new research report catalogues the different methods in existence and provides standardized case studies to examine their relationship to one another at three locations across the United States: Nevada, New York, and Oregon. The more statistically advanced methods at a 5% PV penetration show a capacity value between 60-80% in Nevada, 40-60% in New York, and 10-25% in Oregon.
By developing an agreed upon framework for accurately and appropriately calculating photovoltaic capacity, and determining the risk of variation, a means will be provided for utilities and PV generators to innovate around the new economic propositions that will emerge from a recognized method.
This report represents the first step in an ongoing process between the utility and solar industries, according to Taylor. Additional research areas and collaborative needs were identified that will be valuable in continuing this dialogue with the utility industry.
Copyright ? 2008 Space Daily, Distributed by United Press International
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