Photovoltaic grid-connection system as load-shaving tool in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

A photovoltaic grid-connected (PVGC) system has been installed at the Solar Village in Riyadh. Because a PVGC system can use the utility grid as a store, the PVGC system does not need storage batteries.This will result in an initial cost reduction by about 40% as compared with an equivalent PV stand-alone system. The electric power is supplied from the PV generator or utility grid, or from both the PV generator and utility grid simultaneously. During the day time and if the load near the PVGC system is turned OFF, all the available power generated by the PV generator is supplied to the grid. The utility peak load during hot weather in the Riyadh region coincides with the maximum incident solar radiation, and hence the PVGC system produces the highest power, which can be used for load shaving and fossil-fuel conservation.