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

A photovoltaic grid-connected (PVGC) system has been installed at the Solar AVillage in Riyadh. Because a PVGC system can use the utility grid as a store, Athe PVGC system does not need storage batteries.This will result in an initial Acost reduction by about 40°/o as compared with an equivalent PV stand-alone Asystem. The electric power is supplied from the PV generator or utility grid, Aor 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 Aavailable power generated by the PV generator is supplied to the grid. The Autility peak load during hot weather in the Riyadh region coincides with the Amaximum incident solar radiation, and hence the PVGC system produces the Ahighest power, which can be used for load shaving and fossil-fuel conservation. A(c) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.