Photovoltaic Solar Systems for Residential Dwellings

Abstract

Usage of fossil fuels over the century has led to global air pollution and the production of SO_2, CO₂ and NO_x with the issue linked to global warming. These problems are directly from the results of burning finite fossil fuels such as coal, oil and natural gas in satisfying human energy consumptions. Development of renewable clean energy source is thus the key to success in overcoming such issues. Solar electricity produced from photovoltaic solar systems has the potential to deliver clean sustainable energy. This paper examines life cycle cost effectiveness in using photovoltaic solar systems with capacities ranging from 1.5 to 5 kW in relation to the number of occupants and consumption for residential dwellings over a 15-year period for eight major Australian cities. Life cycle cost comparisons among different types of electricity grid connected systems, including a gross-feed-in-tariff (GFIT) scheme, a net-feed-in-tariff (NFIT) scheme and a buy-back scheme, are also explored. It is found that all major cities can receive life cycle cost saving in installing photovoltaic solar systems in their residential dwellings. The life cycle cost saving is between $273 and $53 021 and the percentage of cost saving is between 0.35 and 123.83 % in a 15-year period. It is appeared that the GFIT and NFIT schemes offer better benefits than the buy-back scheme in installing photovoltaic solar systems. It is also found that the higher the capacity of the photovoltaic solar systems, the higher the life cycle cost saving can be received. This paper contributes to prove the cost effectiveness of using photovoltaic solar systems with the example from Australian residential dwellings.