Smart integration of future grid-connected PV systems

Up until now smart integration of grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) systems is a concept that has been neglected in part due to the availability of subsidies. These subsidies given under different forms of national incentive schemes have made PV the fastest growing energy source in the last few years. In the future, as direct financial incentives and other types of subsidies to PV systems are gradually phased out, smarter grid interface will become an essential feature of future PV systems design. This paper therefore explores future design issues, under dynamic export tariffs in which the objective is to minimize financial costs and maximize revenues for the domestic user, as a net electricity buyer or seller. The analysis model developed applies Mixed Integer Programming time-series simulation. The current typical scenario is depicted with recent time-series of electricity prices used as export tariffs under different household load categories within a UK climate setting. The results suggest that energy storage in a PV system still has only a marginal benefit under smart grid interface. Furthermore with smart integration of PV systems, the micro level objective to minimize costs while maximizing revenue will be achieved with much lower PV module efficiencies. This analysis provides an important insight into PV micro-generator system behavior and the potential for growth of the market for emerging lower cost and lower efficiency PV devices.