Distributed photovoltaic energy storage in Europe and the United States

Are distributed solar photovoltaic systems the future of energy?

Distributed solar photovoltaic (PV) systems are projected to be a key contributor to future energy landscape, but are often poorly represented in energy models due to their distributed nature. They have higher costs compared to utility PV, but offer additional advantages, e.g., in terms of social acceptance.

What is distributed PV?

Detailed modeling of distributed PV in sector-coupled European energy system. Distributed PV reduces the total cost of the European energy system by 1.4–3.7%. Distributed PV reduces required reinforcement for distribution grid capacity. Distributed PV increases energy self-sufficiency for European regions.

Is distributed PV a cost-optimal energy system?

We show that including distributed PV in a cost-optimal European energy system leads to a cost reduction of 1.4% for the power system, and 1.9–3.7% when the complete sector-coupled system is analyzed. This is because, although distributed PV has higher costs, the local production of power reduces the need for HV to LV power transfer.

Does distributed PV reduce energy costs?

The presence of heat pumps and battery electric vehicles on the distribution grid level within the system helps eliminate the need for home batteries. To conclude, distributed PV, although being more expensive than utility PV, help decrease total system cost for the energy system.

Does distributed PV and distributed storage reduce total system cost?

The results show that the presence of distributed PV and distributed storage reduces total system cost. Assuming 1000 EUR/kW and 10% power losses in distribution grids, total system cost reduces by 1.4% when only the power sector is included and between 1.9 and 3.7% for the sector-coupled scenario.

Can distributed PV produce local energy?

Local energy production by distributed PV at low-voltage reduces the need to extend power distribution infrastructure to transfer energy from utility technologies at high-voltage levels, and increases energy self-sufficiency for many regions, especially in southern Europe.