ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF A UTILITY OWNED SMALL SCALE SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEM

摘要

As the need for more sustainable energy supply increases, electricity utilities are looking to renewable generation to complement large scale operational generational facilities. However, due to uncertainties in the ownership of distributed generation facilities on customer sites, utilities are hesitant to invest in small scale distributed generation facilities. This research seeks to economically analyze investment in renewable generation under varying renewable generation ownership. An economic analysis of utility ownership is performed to determine the return on investment of distributed generation. A Monte-Carlo simulation is used to investigate longitudinal production and price of renewable energy credits in relation to distributed generation. In addition, regulatory constraints, such as renewable portfolio standards, are considered within the model. A discussion of the results of the analysis and recommendations for engineering managers in the energy field is also provided.