A comparison of arrangements for increasing self-consumption and maximising the value of distributed photovoltaics on apartment buildings. (15th November 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Roberts, Mike B.; Bruce, Anna; MacGill, Iain
• Is Part Of: Solar energy. Volume 193(2019)
• Page Start: 372
• Page End: 386
• Publication Date: 2019-11-15
• Subjects: Photovoltaics -- Apartments -- Embedded network -- Residential electricity -- Load aggregation -- Self-consumption; BAU Business as Usual -- BOM Bureau of Meteorology -- BTM Behind the Meter -- CES Community Energy Storage -- CP Common Property -- EN Embedded Network -- ENO Embedded Network Operator -- CREN Community Renewable Energy Network -- DNSP Distribution Network Service Provider -- FiT Feed-in Tariff -- GST Goods and Services Tax -- HVAC Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning -- NEM National Energy Market -- NPV Net Present Value -- NSW New South Wales -- PV Photovoltaic -- RET Renewable Energy Target -- SC Self-Consumption -- SS Self-Sufficiency -- SGSC Smart Grid Smart City -- TOU Time of Use -- VB Virtual Building; Solar energy -- Periodicals; Solar engines -- Periodicals; 621.47
• DOI: 10.1016/j.solener.2019.09.067
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0038-092X

Abstract

Highlights: Aggregation of loads across apartment buildings increases self-consumption of PV generation. Load aggregation through embedded network can give financial benefits to customers. Shared PV generation can add customer value to embedded network. PV distributed behind-the-meter avoids regulatory barriers of embedded network. Abstract: As subsidised feed-in-tariffs for distributed photovoltaic (PV) generation are reduced or abolished in many jurisdictions, there is growing interest in increasing self-consumption to realise greater value from rooftop PV generation. However, deployment of PV on apartment buildings lags behind other residential deployment despite the potential advantages of load aggregation. We present a study of electricity and financial flows in ten 'virtual' Australian apartment buildings under a range of technical implementations and financial arrangements, using real load profiles and simulated generation profiles. Aggregation of diverse household and shared loads, either through an embedded network or 'behind the meter' of individual dwellings, can increase self-sufficiency and self-consumption of on-site generation compared to separate systems supplying common property or individual apartments. While embedded networks can enable access to more beneficial retail arrangements, behind the meter solutions may allow residents to avoid regulatory complexities and additional costs. The relative benefits of each arrangement are dependent on building characteristics and financial settings.