Photovoltaic Power System Performance: A Case Study at Fort Huachuca, Arizona

摘要

A 5-kW-peak, grid-connected, photovoltaic (PV) power system is described. In this case study, the PV system in service at the Holman Guest House, Fort Huachuca, AZ, is evaluated for baseline data that will allow comparisons to be made with other PV systems. Designed and installed at a cost of $112,000, the system was funded by the Department of Energy's Federal Photovoltaic Utilization Program. Performance data gathered during 1983 by Arizona State University are summarized. The Holman Guest House power system provided nearly 8600 kWh of electricity during the test period, with no system failure and only minimal maintenance. This corresponds to approximately 11 percent of the facility's electrical requirement. If the system operates reliably for 20 years, the cost of photovoltaic energy would be roughly $0.50/kWh. Based on information gained from the demonstration project, the feasibility of future photovoltaic systems is discussed.