Physical-Geographical and Economic Factors of Solar Microgeneration Effi ciency in the European Part of Russia

Abstract

The purpose is an investigation of one of the niches for the use of renewable energy in Russia – microgeneration solar-power stations. In particular, an assessment of the infl uence of physical-geographical and economic factors on the economic effi ciency of solar microgeneration systems (SMS) in the European part of Russia. Materials and methods. Modeling of SMS operation was carried out taking into account natural conditions (solar resources and temperature) in a number of regions of the European part of Russia. A residential building and an offi ce are considered as the typical electricity consumers. Results and discussion. Regions with an optimal combination of natural and tariff conditions have been identifi ed. The payback periods for SMS have been determined for various enregy load schedules and electricity tariff s: Sochi (from 7.3 to 7.6 years), Krasnodar (from 7.5 to 7.8 years), Rostov-on-Don (from 8.2 up to 8.4 years). In the northern regions of the European part of the Russian Federation, payback periods increase to 10.5-11 years, which reduces the attractiveness of SMS for consumers. For these territories, optimal tariff s for the sale of generated electricity have been calculated, which should be 7.3-7.8 rubles/kWh. Conclusions. To motivate potential prosumers to use SMS and therefore for increasing distribution of renewable energy in Russia, net-grid companies should set higher tariff s for the purchase of electricity from microgeneration systems.