Economic and Technical Aspects of Flexible Storage Photovoltaic Systems in Europe

Henrik Zsiborács, Nóra Hegedűsné Baranyai, András Vincze, István Háber and Gábor Pintér
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Henrik Zsiborács: Department of Economic Methodology, University of Pannonia, Georgikon Faculty, 8360 Keszthely, Hungary
Nóra Hegedűsné Baranyai: Department of Economic Methodology, University of Pannonia, Georgikon Faculty, 8360 Keszthely, Hungary
András Vincze: Department of Foreign Languages, University of Pannonia, Georgikon Faculty, 8360 Keszthely, Hungary
István Háber: Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Pécs, Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
Gábor Pintér: Department of Economic Methodology, University of Pannonia, Georgikon Faculty, 8360 Keszthely, Hungary

Energies, 2018, vol. 11, issue 6, 1-17

Abstract: Solar energy has an increasing role in the global energy mix. The need for flexible storage photovoltaic systems and energy storage in electricity networks is becoming increasingly important as more generating capacity uses solar and wind energy. This paper is a study on the economic questions related to flexible storage photovoltaic systems of household size in 2018. The aim is to clarify whether it is possible in the European Union to achieve a payback of the costs of flexible storage photovoltaic system investments for residential customers considering the technology-specific storage aspects prevalent in 2018. We studied seven different flexible storage photovoltaic investments with different battery technologies in Germany, France, Italy, and Spain because, in Europe, these countries have a prominent role with regard to the spread of photovoltaic technology. These investment alternatives are studied with the help of economic indicators for the different cases of the selected countries. At the end of our paper we come to the conclusion that an investment of a flexible storage photovoltaic (PV) system with Olivine-type-LiFePO 4 , Lithium-Ion, Vented lead-acid battery (OPzS), Sealed lead-acid battery (OPzV), and Aqueous Hybrid Ion (AHI) batteries can have a positive net present value due to the high electricity prices in Germany and in Spain. The most cost-effective technology was the Olivine-type-LiFePO 4 and the Lithium-Ion at the time of the study. We suggest the provision of governmental support and uniform European modifications to the regulatory framework, especially concerning grid fees and tariffs, which would be necessary in the beginning to help to introduce these flexible storage PV systems to the market.

Keywords: solar energy; photovoltaic system; flexible storage system; battery efficiency (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: 2018
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (35)

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