Multifaceted Feasibility Analysis of PV Solar Application in Northern Cyprus

Abstract

This paper first reviews the current state of Photovoltaic (PV) cell technology, and comparatively analyzes the cost of electricity generated from different PV technologies against electricity produced at the main thermal power plant in Northern Cyprus. The comparison has been done with and without externality costs, and thus incorporates sustainability principles. The analysis is extended to investigate suitable solar cell technologies for an on-campus PV farm at Middle East Technical University Northern Cyprus Campus, with and without substantial storage support. The estimated economical break-even points of the PV system with battery storage as opposed to current fossil fuel based energy are approximately 15 and 17 years respectively for mono-crystalline silicon (Si) and multi-crystalline Si technology. Assuming the produced electricity can be stored to the grid through bi-directional power delivery, the economical break-even point can be reduced to 6 to 7 years depending on utilized technology. The electricity generation cost of grid-tied PV system at university with multi-crystalline Si technology has already become competitive against that of the grid electricity in Northern Cyprus. Therefore PV electricity production can be expected to significantly contribute to electricity production in Northern Cyprus in near future based on the analysis in this paper.

Keywords

• Renewable energy;photovoltaic technology; Northern Cyprus; PV feasibility

Kaynakça

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