UTILISATION OF EXCESS SOLAR PV GENERATION IN THE PRODUCTION OF DOMESTIC HOT WATER FOR RESIDENTIAL APPLICATIONS

摘要

The production of Domestic Hot Water (DHW) by hydronic solar thermal collectors was for many years the leading renewable energy technology in the residential sector. However, the installed cost of solar PV has fallen dramatically over the past decade and the generation of electricity by PV systems excess to the needs of the individual household now presents a challenge to the stable operation of the LV distribution network. The utilisation of this excess electricity to provide DHW, combined with the lower investment costs, may now make economic sense for the householder and deliver benefits to the energy system as a whole. As both an energy supplier and a network operator, E.ON has an interest in providing cost-effective energy solutions and optimising the integration of solar PV within the overall energy system. This paper evaluates the opportunity for simultaneously mitigating the negative network impacts of PV and improving the economic performance of residential energy systems. It draws on economic modelling, laboratory and field trials addressing the economic, environmental and practical merits, and remaining challenges of this technology.