The impact of large-scale solar generation on utility revenue | IEEE Conference Publication | IEEE Xplore

The impact of large-scale solar generation on utility revenue


Abstract:

The upsurge of renewable energy penetration has hit the South African mainstream. The photovoltaic (PV) products are becoming cheaper, and they gain people's trust for on...Show More

Abstract:

The upsurge of renewable energy penetration has hit the South African mainstream. The photovoltaic (PV) products are becoming cheaper, and they gain people's trust for onsite local power generation since it does not bear any transmission and distribution cost. The market acceleration of the product becomes a drawback to the utility industry working tirelessly to regulate and maintain their existing centralized network. In this paper, we looked at the different component of a PV system and narrowed down to the low costs inverters which took the market by storm. We did a case study on a property that has a utility installation and PV generation. We populated the data from the PV system and the history to analyze the offset percentage and the possible revenue loss by the municipality. The outcome for this case study is discussed in conclusion to evaluate the utility losses on massive PV penetration in residential sectors.
Date of Conference: 23-27 August 2021
Date Added to IEEE Xplore: 28 September 2021
ISBN Information:
Conference Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Department of Electrical & Electronics Engineering Technology, Faculty of Engineering and The Built Environment, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa
Department of Electrical & Electronics Engineering Technology, Faculty of Engineering and The Built Environment, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa

I. Introduction

The electricity supply-demand problems have caused a strain on the centralized power entity. Developing countries like South Africa are finding it challenging to meet the desired outcome for both satisfying the customer needs and covering the operational costs [1]. South Africa has one of the highest energy intensities globally compared with only a few countries having higher intensities. South Africa's primary energy consumption per unit of GDP is among the highest in the world [2]. According to [2], South African's history of low electricity prices substantiated to lower energy efficiency compared to the international standards and other countries. In recent years ESKOM is playing a catch-up game to cover the capital and operational costs. Due to these reasons, electricity prices skyrocket each year and encourage users to think of low-scale alternative methods to meet their electricity demand needs at reduced costs.

Department of Electrical & Electronics Engineering Technology, Faculty of Engineering and The Built Environment, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa
Department of Electrical & Electronics Engineering Technology, Faculty of Engineering and The Built Environment, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa

References

References is not available for this document.