SOL-DAZE: AI-Driven Smart Solar With Integrated Storage for Decentralized Autonomous Zero Emission Future - Techno Economic Analysis
Abstract
This paper develops a techno economic assessment for the project named SOL-DAZE, a next-generation AIdriven microinverter that optimizes solar energy harvesting. The objective of this work is to verify the technical and economic feasibility of the project with respect to conventional PV systems, as well as briefly evaluating the environmental impact of the system. The method used consisted in conducting a cost analysis based on data given by experts or found in the market for a coastal city in central Sweden. Next, KPIs such as LCOE, ROI, NPV and Payback Period were calculated, and the CO2 emissions were determined, enabling comparison between SOL-DAZE and conventional PV for off-grid, hybrid and on-grid case scenarios. Later, sensitivity analyses were conducted reducing sodium-ion battery price, adjusting electricity price and changing location. Results of this study show that SOL-DAZE is a feasible alternative technically, economically and with less environmental impact. For the base scenario, an LCOE of 0.0503 € kWh-^1 is obtained for SOL-DAZE, which compared to conventional PV’s LCOE (0.0495 € kWh-^1 ) is a very competitive price. Furthermore, sensitivity analyses show that SOL-DAZE optimal location is places with low sun hours and high energy price, obtaining positive NPV values. When location was changed to Spain, SOL-DAZE’s payback periods ranged between 6 and 10 years for hybrid and off-grid applications. It can be concluded that SOL-DAZE will not only bring advancements to the solar field but that it will additionally be more profitable in the appropriate context.
Keywords
PV, battery, off-grid, hybrid, microinverter, Sweden, LCOE