Methodology for the Techno-Economic Assessment of Medium-Voltage Photovoltaic Prosumers Under Net-Metering Policy

Abstract

Net-metering has been introduced as an alternative to the feed-in tariff scheme to encourage consumers to act as prosumers by installing photovoltaics. Originally, net-metering referred mainly to household photovoltaic systems, however, larger prosumers connected to medium-voltage networks are also considered. Scope of this paper is to present a techno-economic assessment methodology to evaluate the viability of net-metering policy in medium-voltage prosumers. Unlike most relevant methods, the proposed methodology combines techno-economic analysis with a quasi-static simulation model incorporating the real-world operational properties of the distribution network, where the medium-voltage prosumers are connected. The analysis focuses on nine university campuses operating under net-metering policy. The impact of several important parameters on the viability of the investment as well as on the optimal size of the system is investigated; among them special emphasis is given on the applicability of the decentralized voltage regulation techniques applied to the prosumer's photovoltaic system.

A Benchmarking Testbed for Low-Voltage Active Distribution Network Studies

“…To mitigate voltage violations and ensure the reliable operation of the power system, various control schemes have been proposed in the literature [32]. In particular, in LV networks, where a strong dependence between active power and grid voltage exists, the P(V ) droop control strategy by curtailing part of the PV injected active power has been widely-used [33].…”