Title:	Economic Feasibility Study of Different Configurations of a High-Power Photovoltaic Irrigation System
Author(s):	R. Almeida, C. Lorenzo, L. Narvarte, J.I. Herraiz
Keywords:	Economic Analysis, PV Pumping, Energy Performance
Topic:	Energy Transition – Integration, Storage, Sustainability, Policy, Economics, Energy Poverty, Society
Subtopic:	Costs, Economics, Finance and Markets
Event:	8th World Conference on Photovoltaic Energy Conversion
Session:	5DV.2.89
Pages:	1658 - 1661
ISBN:	3-936338-86-8
Paper DOI:	10.4229/WCPEC-82022-5DV.2.89
Price:	0,00 EUR
Document(s):	paper

Abstract/Summary:

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This paper presents an economic feasibility study of different configurations of a PV-grid high-power PV irrigation system in Alto Aragón, Spain. The 1574 kWp PV generator is installed in a previously only-grid pumping station with five motorpumps and, in the new configurations, PV can feed 3 of these 5 motorpumps. Conf.1 is a standalone solution since 3 pumps are fed by PV and the energy that is not consumed is wasted, Conf.2 is a stand-alone plus grid-connected solution in which the motorpumps are fed by PV during the irrigation period and PV energy is sold to the grid outside this period, and Conf.3 considers that PV energy can be directly used or exported throughout the year according to the pumping station needs. The PV energy consumed by the system is 1241.7 kWh/kWp, while the total energy used achieves 2016.8 kWh/kWp for Conf.3. Economic results show Profitability Index values in the 2.0-2.4 €/€ range, Internal Rate of Return values in the 5.52-7.23 % range, and Payback Period values in the 12-15 years range. The Levelized Cost of Electricity are in the 4.82-6.40 c€/kWh range, which means that savings can achieve up to 53% when compared to the only-grid system.