Study Examining Photovoltaic (PV) Solar Power as an Alternative for the Rebuilding of the Iraqi Electrical Power Generation Infrastructure

摘要

This project examined the cost and feasibility of using photovoltaic solar power to assist in the rebuilding of the Iraqi electrical infrastructure. The report covers available solar equipment and technologies coupled with requirements for operation, installation, and maintenance. The report begins with an analysis of the current state of the Iraqi infrastructure, including coalition efforts to begin the reconstruction process, U.S. engineers' actions upon entering Iraq, the increased need for electrical power in Iraq, the costs of insurgent attacks on the electrical system, and security issues that need to be dealt with for the future. There are numerous case studies that demonstrate uses of solar power in regions similar to Iraq. The report presents four such cases: the Sacramento Municipal Utility District in California and schools in Australia, Mexico, and South Africa. The report then identifies potential commercial solar equipment candidates for different installation configurations, including on-grid, off-grid, and hybrid systems; the installation, operation, maintenance, and durability of solar PV systems; solar technology's positive and negative attributes; the use of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) to prevent sabotage; and emerging technologies. Next, the authors provide test data to illustrate the performance of Photovoltaic Power Conversion (PVPC) technology compared to a conventional solar PV system. The report concludes with a cost comparison for PVPC versus conventional systems, and cost estimates for using solar PV systems in powering a residential home, public service provider, school, and hospital. The appendixes contain information that decision makers may need as part of an operations order, including details on the components of a solar PV system, maintenance, retailers, assemblies, and community applications; Operation Solar Eagle worksheets; and weather data and other data for testing solar PV systems with and without PVPC technology7.