PV systems with battery storage to cover load-shedding is the main solution to be implemented in a short-term basis as an alternative for the use of diesel generators due to the rich solar potential in the area and the fact that it is easier to implement. Figure 1 illustrates the possible alternative solution using PV system. PV system with storage is a reliable system with low and fixed operational cost (Kolhe et al., 2002). There are no moving parts and no motors, so they are silent and most importantly, PV systems are good for the environment. Even with the worst-case estimations of carbon production during manufacturing and transportation process, they produce less CO2 emissions than the burning of fossil fuels. Despite all of the benefits it is offering, there is one main constraint related to PV system with storage. It has a relatively high capital cost when compared to diesel generators.
The approach undertaken in order to find an alternative solution for the use of diesel generators to cover load-shedding is summarised in several steps below:
1. Technical Analysis
• Generate load curve profiles for the typical houses in Mian Channu;
• Set the boundary limits of the analysis;
• Evaluate the influence of temperature and depth of discharge on the battery’s lifetime;
• Size the diesel generator and PV system with storage for the typical houses.
2. Financial Analysis
• Set the boundary limits of the analysis;
• Perform a financial analysis comparing the net present value (NPV) after 15 years for PV systems and storage with different depths of discharge (DoD);
• Select the most affordable option within the PV systems and storage with different depths of discharge (DoD) considering the lower value of NPV;
• Perform a second financial analysis comparing the NPV after 15 years of the previous selected PV system and the diesel generator.
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