4 FAQs about Solar power collection cabinet ratio

How can solar storage be optimally sized?

The key to optimally sizing the storage system probabilistically is understanding the tradeoff between marginal cost of additional solar or storage and the penalty for being unavailable to meet a peak in a rare situation.

Are DC-coupled systems better than solar-only systems?

DC-coupled systems have the additional complexity of optimizing the inverter loading ratio to much higher levels than solar-only plants (which will be discussed in more detail in our next solar + storage blog post). Below are the needed inputs and analysis required to determine how to properly size energy storage for renewable firm energy.

Can a fixed amount of solar PV provide more firm capacity?

Said another way, with a fixed amount of solar PV (if you are land-constrained, for example), you can provide more firm capacity with the same amount of storage if you are willing to charge from the grid sometimes [see Figure 1]. Figure 1. Solar capacity, in MW, required to create a 100 MW renewable peaker.

How much does a solar PPA cost?

Now we routinely see mid- to low- $20's per MWh PPAs in the US, and a solar PPA in Saudi Arabia broke $20/MWh at $17.9/MWh. The fuel for energy storage is only getting cheaper. An important aspect of helping utilities and other off-takers benefit fully from a solar+storage “peaker” is getting the sizing of each resource right.

View/Download Solar power collection cabinet ratio [PDF]

PDF version includes complete article with source references. Suitable for printing and offline reading.