Publications

Abstract not provided.

Abstract not provided.

Tucson Electric Power Company (TEP) currently has nearly 5.0 MWdc of utility-scale grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) systems that have been installed in its service territory since 2000. Most of this installed PV capacity is in support of the Arizona Corporation Commission Environmental Portfolio Standard (EPS) goal that encourages TEP to generate 1.1% of its energy generation through renewable resources by 2007, with 60% of that amount from photovoltaics. The EPS program provides for multi-year, pay-as-you-go development of renewable energy, with kWhac energy production as a key program measurement. A total of 26 crystalline silicon collector systems, each rated at 135 kWdc, have been installed at the Springerville, AZ generating plant by TEP making this one of the largest PV plants in the world. These systems were installed in a standardized, cookie-cutter approach whereby each uses the same array field design, mounting hardware, electrical interconnection, and inverter unit. This approach has allowed TEP to achieve a total installed system cost of $5.40/Wdc and a TEP-calculated levelized energy cost of $0.10/kWhac for PV electrical generation. During this time, much has been learned regarding performance, cost, maintenance, installation and design. This paper presents an assessment of these topics and a perspective associated with this PV experience. Copyright © 2005 by ASME.

Abstract not provided.

High photovoltaic (PV) system costs hinder market growth. An approach to studying these costs has been developed using a database containing system, component and maintenance information. This data, which is both technical and non-technical in nature, is to be used to identify trends related to costs. A pilot database exists at this time and work is continuing. The results of this work may be used by the data owners to improve their operations with the goal of sharing non-attributable information with the public and industry at large. The published objectives of the DOE PV program are to accelerate the development of PV as a national and global energy option, as well as ensure US technology and global market leadership. The approach to supporting these objectives is to understand what drives costs in PV applications. This paper and poster session describe work-in-progress in the form of a database that will help identify costs in PV systems. In an effort to address DOE's Five-Year PV Milestones, a program was established in the summer of 1999 to study system costs in three PV applications--solar home lighting, water pumping, and grid-tied systems. This work began with a RFQ requesting data from these types of systems. Creating a partnership with industry and other system organizations such as Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) was the approach chosen to maintain a close time to the systems in the field. Nine participants were selected as partners, who provided data on their systems. Two activities are emphasized in this work. For the first, an iterative approach of developing baseline reliability and costs information with the participants was taken. This effort led to identifying typical components in these systems as well as the specific data (metrics) that would be needed in any analysis used to understand total systems costs.