Combined Solar Photovoltaic and Energy Storage Sizing in Constrained Distribution Networks

Abstract

For economic reasons, solar photovoltaic (PV) systems are commonly constructed with panel DC nameplate rating larger than the inverter AC nameplate rating, which can result in some PV generation curtailment. PV systems can be combined with energy storage (ES) systems to reduce the curtailed PV generation, whilst also providing other services such as energy arbitrage (the ‘value stacking’ approach). This paper analyses the value of such coupled PV-plus-ES systems for a project in northern California. A critical ES breakeven cost is proposed as an indicator of the feasibility of PV-plus-ES. Degradation is shown to be a key driver of PV-plus-ES system capacities when maximising a system’s net present value (NPV).