Distributed photovoltaic (PV) power generation refers to PV power generation facilities built near user sites, operating in a mode where users generate and consume their own electricity, with surplus electricity fed into the grid, and characterized by balancing and regulating the power distribution system.
Distributed photovoltaic (PV) power generation specifically refers to distributed power generation systems that use photovoltaic modules to directly convert solar energy into electrical energy. It is a new type of power generation and comprehensive energy utilization method with broad development prospects. It advocates the principles of local power generation, local grid connection, local conversion, and local use, which not only effectively increases the power generation of PV power plants of the same scale but also effectively solves the problems of power loss during voltage boosting and long-distance transmission.
Distributed photovoltaic power generation has the following characteristics:
1. Relatively small output power. Generally speaking, the capacity of a distributed photovoltaic power generation project is within a few kilowatts. Unlike centralized power plants, the size of a photovoltaic power plant has little impact on power generation efficiency, and therefore little impact on its economics. The return on investment for small photovoltaic systems is not lower than that for large ones.
2. Low pollution and significant environmental benefits. Distributed photovoltaic power generation projects generate electricity without noise or pollution to the air or water.
3. To some extent, it can alleviate local power shortages. However, distributed photovoltaic power generation has a relatively low energy density, with a power output of only about 100 watts per square meter. In addition, the roof area suitable for installing photovoltaic modules is limited, so it cannot fundamentally solve the power shortage problem.
4. Power generation and consumption can coexist. Large-scale ground-mounted power plants generate electricity by stepping up the voltage and connecting to the transmission grid, operating solely as power generation plants; while distributed photovoltaic power generation connects to the distribution grid, allowing for both power generation and consumption, and requiring local consumption as much as possible.
Distributed photovoltaic power generation follows the principles of adapting to local conditions, being clean and efficient, being decentralized and utilized nearby, making full use of local solar energy resources to replace and reduce fossil energy consumption.
Installing distributed photovoltaic power generation has the following advantages:
1. Solar energy is inexhaustible. The solar radiation received by the Earth's surface can meet 10,000 times the global energy demand! If solar photovoltaic systems were installed on just 4% of the world's deserts, the electricity generated could meet the world's needs!
2. Solar power generation is safe and reliable, and will not be affected by energy crises or fuel market instability.
3. Solar energy can be used anywhere and can provide power locally without the need for long-distance transmission, thus avoiding losses from long-distance power transmission lines; the sun does not require fuel, so its operating costs are very low.
4. Solar power generation has no moving parts, is not easily damaged, and is simple to maintain, making it particularly suitable for unattended use.
5. Solar power generation does not produce any pollution, noise or other public hazards, and has no adverse impact on the environment, making it an ideal clean energy source.
6. Solar power generation systems have a short construction cycle, are convenient and flexible, and can be adjusted by adding or reducing the number of solar panels according to the increase or decrease of load, thus avoiding waste.
The most widely used distributed photovoltaic (PV) power generation system currently is the PV power generation project built on the rooftops of urban buildings. This type of project must be connected to the public power grid to supply electricity to nearby users.
