Selection of the best conceptual solution alternative in the process of photovoltaic power plant preliminary design

Abstract

The presence of renewable energy systems in the modern society is increasing every day. Development and implementation of renewable energy sources is an inevitable step towards achieving sustainable, zero-emission energy production and an emission-free society, which has been a long-term goal for many developed countries. Currently photovoltaic energy is regarded as one the renewable energy source with the highest potential and following the increase of solar cell efficiency as well as the decrease in price, it is becoming a competitor to already well-established hydro power. The amount of energy produced by PV modules has risen significantly in the past decade, several countries with solar energy utilization potential are investing and developing solar modules, and many new utility-scale photovoltaic plants are built every year. This new trend has decreased greenhouse gas emissions in energy production in many countries, but it has also created a problem for engineers when designing PV plants. Many new software has been developed for assistance in design, however many of these programs create several layout alternatives of a photovoltaic plant, leaving the engineers with conflicting options and a decision-making problem. A model that can assist engineers in selecting the best layout alternative is developed in this paper. This is done by deconstructing the problem with a multicriteria decision making method, comparing the alternative based on significant criteria and finally scoring and ranking the alternatives. The model is applied to a current multicriteria decision making problem on a project that an energy generating company in Bosnia and Herzegovina is facing. The said project is a utility scale photovoltaic plant, that is going to be built in the near future. Four alternatives have been provided, from which the best alternative is chosen based on economic, technical, and environmental criteria.