TECHNICAL AND ECONOMICAL ANALYSIS OF A PHOTOVOLTAIC PLANT UP TO 5 MW AS A SOLUTION FOR DISTRIBUTED GENERATION IN THE SEMI-ARID REGION OF NORTHEASTERN BRAZIL

摘要

This paper presents a feasibility study of the use of photovoltaic power plants in the concept of Distributed Generation (DG ) . It aims to integrate photovoltaic technology through plants up to 5 MW with the electricity distribution network in order to meet the electricity demand of cities located in the semiarid Northeast region with a maximum of 20,000 inhabitant. In a survey conducted by the IBGE ( Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics) , we find the presence of 1,073 of such cities , representing 68 % of the cities in this region. Photovoltaic technology associated with distributed generation presents itself as an excellent solution for these populations because the generation will be close to the load . avoiding technical losses and reduces the need for expansion of new distribution lines and transmission , and contribute to the environmental aspects . The economic feasibility study was conducted , resulting in a payback period of 10 years.