Feasibility Analysis of an Electric Vehicle Charging Station with Solar Energy and Battery Storage

Elvis Buestan-Morales, Steven Fajardo-Castillo, Antonio Barragán-Escandón (), Esteban Zalamea-León and Xavier Serrano-Guerrero
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Elvis Buestan-Morales: Energy Transaction Group (GITE), Universidad Politécnica Salesiana, Calle Vieja 12-30 y Elia Liut, Cuenca 010102, Ecuador
Steven Fajardo-Castillo: Energy Transaction Group (GITE), Universidad Politécnica Salesiana, Calle Vieja 12-30 y Elia Liut, Cuenca 010102, Ecuador
Antonio Barragán-Escandón: Energy Transaction Group (GITE), Universidad Politécnica Salesiana, Calle Vieja 12-30 y Elia Liut, Cuenca 010102, Ecuador
Esteban Zalamea-León: Department of Architecture and Urbanism, Universidad de Cuenca, Av. 12 de Abril y Agustín Cueva, Cuenca 010201, Ecuador
Xavier Serrano-Guerrero: Energy Transaction Group (GITE), Universidad Politécnica Salesiana, Calle Vieja 12-30 y Elia Liut, Cuenca 010102, Ecuador

Energies, 2024, vol. 17, issue 15, 1-26

Abstract: Ecuador, like every country in the world, urgently requires a conversion of transportation to electric power, both for economic and environmental reasons. This paper focuses on the technical and economic feasibility of a solar-powered electric charging station equipped with battery storage in Cuenca, Ecuador. By reviewing current literature, we assess the environmental impact of electric mobility and its potential to reduce fossil fuel dependence and generate energy savings. The analysis encompasses various factors, including EV energy consumption, solar energy system sizing, energy production, and battery storage capacity. Key findings indicate that integrating solar PV systems with EV charging stations efficiently supports a reliable and sustainable energy supply. Simulation results reveal seasonal variations in solar generation, highlighting the importance of proper system sizing to maintain charging supply reliability and manage surplus generation. The economic analysis of three scenarios underscores the financial viability of implementing PV systems without battery storage, yielding a positive Internal Rate of Return (IRR) and Net Present Value (NPV). However, scenarios with battery storage present negative NPV and long investment return periods, impacting economic viability negatively. These insights underscore the need for a balanced design to ensure sustainability and economic feasibility in the transition to electric mobility.

Keywords: electric charging station; electric vehicles (EVs); charging infrastructure; solar energy; technical–economic feasibility (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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