Renewable Energy Technology Assessments - Kauai Island Utility ...

Kaua’i Island Utility Cooperative
Renewable Energy Technology Assessments
3.0 Renewable Energy Technology
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Generally, stationary (non-tracking) PV arrays will receive the highest average
annual insolation if they are mounted at an angle equal to the latitude at which they are
located. To optimize performance for winter, the array may be tilted at an angle equal to
the latitude plus 15 degrees. Conversely, for maximum output during summer months
the array should be tilted at an angle equal to the latitude minus 15 degrees. Single and
double axis tracking systems increase the system output, but at a significantly higher
capital cost and increased O&M requirements.
Cost and Performance Characteristics
Numerous variations in PV cells are available, such as single crystalline silicon,
polycrystalline, and thin film panels. Several support structures are available, such as
fixed-tilt, one-axis tracking, and two-axis tracking. For evaluation purposes, fixed-tilt,
single crystalline PV systems are characterized in Table 3-26: a 4 kW residential system
and a 50 kW commercial system.
Table 3-26. Solar PV Technology Characteristics.
Residential Commercial
Performance
Typical Duty Cycle As available, peaking As available, peaking
Net Plant Capacity, kW 4 50
Capacity Factor, percent
Economics
18 20
Capital Cost, $/kW 9,400-13,800 8,300-10,500
Fixed O&M, $/kW-yr 59 26
Variable O&M, $/MWh 68 30
Levelized Cost, $/MWh 518-764 397-486
Technology Status
Commercial Status Commercial
Installed US Capacity, MW 212
Kauai Potential Niche applications
Environmental Impacts
A key attribute of solar PV cells is that they are virtually non-polluting after
installation. Some thin film technologies have potential for discharge of heavy metals in
manufacturing; however, this issue is being adequately addressed through proper
21 March 2005 3-60 Black & Veatch