Analysis of Using Hybrid 1 MWp PV-Farm with Energy Storage in Poland

Abstract

The 21st century brings new challenges related to the rapid development of renewable energy sources. Increasingly ambitious climate targets adopted at the European and global level are stimulating an increase in the share of photovoltaic sources in electricity generation. Unfortunately, the intermittent supply of electricity with solar panels makes this energy much more difficult to use. The production of electricity only during the sunny period forces the need to collect it during the day and then use it at night or during unfavorable weather conditions. Therefore, energy storage facilities are important when producing energy from renewable sources. Their installation increases the flexibility of transmission systems and creates opportunities for stable operation with a large share of renewable energy sources. This article offers an economic evaluation of the use of energy storage for a photovoltaic farm under the conditions of using the prices of the Polish Power Exchange. The period from June 2020 to May 2023 was analyzed. The results in terms of productivity of PV installations from the village of Łęki and prices from the Commodity Energy Exchange in the same period were used. Analyzing the results, it can be seen that energy storage brings additional revenue, especially during periods with large spreads in the value of electricity prices. The use of energy storage also allows for more efficient use of energy from photovoltaic panels. The value of additional revenue from energy storage was particularly evident in 2022, when energy prices peaked.