Simulation of the Photovoltaic System Capacity to Power the Electrical Vehicles under Tropical Climate of Surabaya, Indonesia

Abstract

This paper presents a simulation study of a photovoltaic capacity to power electrical vehicle under the tropical climate of Surabaya, Indonesia. The study aims to investigate the feasibility of using solar panels as the main energy source for electrical vehicle in a tropical region, where solar radiation is abundant but often accompanied by high temperatures and humidity. The simulation model was developed using “Photovoltaic Geographical Information System” software, which integrates a mathematical model of the photovoltaic panel. The simulation was carried out over a period of one year, with weather data from simulation database. Given that electric cars have an average energy consumption of about 0.15 kWh/km, the daily electrical energy needed falls within the range of 6.0 to 7.5 kWh. Analyzing the specific data on the output energy of photovoltaic systems in Surabaya reveals that a photovoltaic system capacity of approximately 1.7 to 2.0 kWp is required to fulfill this daily energy demand.