Energy pay-back time and air pollution mitigation of a 100-kWp grid connected SPV power plant for Lakshadweep Island

The energy payback time (EPBT) has been analyzed for an operating 100 kW grid connected solar photovoltaic power plant (SPVPP) situated in Lakshadweep Islands. The actual power generated by the system over a period has been monitored and used for calculating the EPBT. The air pollution mitigation potential of PV power systems are discussed. The analysis shows that the EPBT is lower than the lifetime of the SPVPP and there are significant environmental advantages after the EPBT period is over. Studies indicate that a significant amount of air pollutants like nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons and particulate materials emitted from diesel generator sets can be mitigated.