|
New Report on Methods for Calculating Solar Capacity
Paves the Way for Industry Consensus
SEPA Releases Latest in Series of Research Reports: “Photovoltaic Capacity Valuation Methods”
May 8, 2008 - WASHINGTON, D.C. - 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 today 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. A complimentary copy of the full report can be downloaded from the SEPA website at http://tinyurl.com/43n4hl.
advertisement
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.”
Photovoltaic Capacity Valuation Methods is the result of a year-long effort that included the circulation of a white paper to utility and solar stakeholders, a workshop for these stakeholders, and subsequent discussions between the authors. This study was funded by the U.S. Department of Energy and by the Solar Electric Power Association. Authors include Tom Hoff, Clean Power Research; Richard Perez, State University of New York at Albany; JP Ross, Sungevity; Mike Taylor, Solar Electric Power Association.
About the Solar Electric Power Association: From national events to one-on-one counseling, SEPA is the go-to resource for unbiased and actionable solar intelligence. SEPA is comprised of 300 utility and solar industry members. Breaking down information overload into business reality, SEPA takes the time and risk out of implementing solar business plans and helps turn new technologies into new opportunities. www.solarelectricpower.org .
For more information contact :
Contact: Josephine Mooney
(202) 857-0898 x6
InvestorIdeas.com Disclaimer: Issuers of press releases are solely responsible for the accuracy of the content.
Would you like to see your news and articles here? GO>>
|
