Economical analysis and innovative solutions for grid connected PV plants

The world total photovoltaic (PV) installed capacity is growing very quickly, due to both government incentives and increased environmental concerns. This situation calls for the realization of large, grid-connected “industrial” PV plants, aimed at delivering energy to the grid. However, the cost/kWh of PV energy is still quite high. This paper reports some of the most promising research approaches currently in progress on new PV materials and devices, focusing on the reduction of PV generation cost expected from the technological implementation of such research. Because of their large size, industrial PV plants could have different characteristics compared to the small ones that, with few exceptions, have been realised until now. This problem is analyzed with the aim of providing a set of recommendations and guidelines for proper design of industrial PV plants, mainly concerning the choice of the power electronic conditioning systems and the use of simulation-aided design tools.