This paper analyzes the technical and economic possibilities of integrating distributed energy resources (DERs) and energy-storage systems (ESSs) into a virtual power plant (VPP) and operating them as a single power plant. The purpose of the study is to assess the economic efficiency of the VPP model, which is influenced by several factors such as energy price and energy production. Ten scenarios for the VPP were prepared on the basis of the installed capacities of a hydropower plant (HPP), rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV), and energy-storage system (ESS), as well as weather conditions, in Poland. On the basis of technical conditions, it was assumed that the maximum power capacity of the ESS equaled 1.5 MW. The economic efficiency analysis presented in this paper demonstrated that, in seven years, the VPP will achieve a positive value of the net present value (NPV) for a scenario with 0.5 MW battery storage and rainy summers. Furthermore, sensitivity analysis was conducted on price factors and DER production volume. The price variable had a major impact on the NPV value for all scenarios. The scenario with a 0.5 MW battery and typical summers was highly sensitive to all factors, and its sensitivity decreased as the ESS capacity grew from 0.5 to 1.5 MW.

The article presents calculations and power flow of a real virtual power plant (VPP), containing a fragment of low and medium voltage distribution network. The VPP contains a hydropower plant (HPP), a photovoltaic system (PV) and energy storage system (ESS). The purpose of this article is to summarize the requirements for connection of generating units to the grid. Paper discusses the impact of the requirements on the maximum installed capacity of distributed energy resource (DER) systems and on the parameters of the energy storage unit. Firstly, a comprehensive review of VPP definitions, aims, as well as the characteristics of the investigated case study of the VPP project is presented. Then, requirements related to the regulation, protection and integration of DER and ESS with power systems are discussed. Finally, investigations related to influence of DER and ESS on power network condition are presented. One of the outcomes of the paper is the method of identifying the maximum power capacity of DER and ESS in accordance with technical network requirements. The applied method uses analytic calculations, as well as simulations using Matlab environment, combined with real measurement data. The obtained results allow the influence of the operating conditions of particular DER and ESS on power flow and voltage condition to be identified, the maximum power capacity of ESS intended for the planed VPP to be determined, as well as the influence of power control strategies implemented in a PV power plant on resources available for the planning and control of a VPP to be specified. Technical limitations of the DER and ESS are used as input conditions for the economic simulations presented in the accompanying paper, which is focused on investigations of economic efficiency.

Abstract. The behaviour of energy and heat consumers is an important and interesting topic. For a long time the energy market was the classical example of a monopoly. In general, households are weak partners for energy companies, but energy markets are changing all over the world. This trend is noticeable in Poland too, but it is not as strong as in Germany or other countries where renewable energy sources (RES) are very popular and widely used. So, here we investigate why the development of RES in Poland is so weak. The main aim of the paper is to highlight the key factors, especially ecological and economic ones, determining households' decisions about installing RES in Poland. An additional aim is to present the level of energy awareness of households. We conducted a survey of Lower Silesia's households in November and December 2015. Economic factors are the best motivators for households to install RES. Among the economic aspects, the respondents indicated potential savings and potential profits.