Achieving zero-bill for the grid-connected PV systems in Saudi Arabia governmental schools: a techno-economic analysis

Abstract

Governmental schools are characterized as ideal places for installing grid-connected PV systems due to the availability of large spaces on their roofs. Schools are also characterized by their good annual load profile, in which most of the loads occur during the day, and there are no loads on nights or weekends or during summer and vacations. Moreover, in the winter, the loads drop dramatically due to the lack of air conditioning. This special annual load profile provides a relative property to government schools with regard to exporting the energy generated during off days to the general electricity grid. The main objective of this research is to attempt to design a grid-connected PV system that can balance imported and exported energy to the grid to achieve an annual zero bill based on the energy exchange tariff in Saudi Arabia. Three different schools in Buraidah City were selected for investigation. The annual energy consumption was estimated from energy bills for 3 years and compared with actual installed loads. The performance analysis was done by applying three widely used indicators: yield factor, capacity factor, and performance ratio. Also, the economic analysis was done using the life cycle analysis methodology based on the local market prices to find the levelized cost of energy (LCOE) and the payback time. The results of economic and performance analysis revealed the professionality of installing grid-connected PV systems in government schools.