Economic Analysis of Battery Energy Storage Integration in a 100MW Solar Farm Using PVsyst and SAM

The adoption of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems has seen a surge as the world shifts towards renewable energy sources (RES). Solar farms have gained interest for their environmental benefits. To optimize these farms, integrating PV with battery energy storage systems (BESS) has become essential. This paper conducts a comprehensive economic analysis of integrating a 100 MW DC solar farm in Chicago with a 4-hour BESS using PVsyst and the System Advisor Model (SAM). This study provides the benefits and drawbacks of this integration by considering economic and technological factors. The outcomes aim to reaffirm the viability of BESS integration in solar farms from both economic and technical standpoints, providing substantial energy outputs while outlining critical financial factors for stakeholders in the renewable energy sector. Analysis of simulation results presents an energy output of 153.58 GWh per year and a payback period of 13 years. When peak demand price escalation and BESS integration are included, the payback period is reduced to 11.7 years. This emphasizes the financial benefits of such a shift. This comparative research shows the cost implications and varied payback times associated with incorporating BESS into solar farm layouts, offering significant insights into the financial issues critical for decision-making in the renewable energy industry. Additionally, it is anticipated that this solar farm will yield substantial environmental benefits, estimated to save 2 million tons of CO2e emissions over its lifespan, equating to an annual reduction of 64,337 metric tons of CO2e.