Techno-economic evaluation of two 42 kWp polycrystalline-Si and CIS thin-film based PV rooftop systems in Pakistan

• Published in: Renewable energy 2020-06, Vol.152, p.347-357
• Main Authors: Ali, Hayder, Khan, Hassan Abbas
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: CIS modules; Energy; Grid-connected PV system; Silicon
• ISSN: 0960-1481; 1879-0682
• DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2019.12.144

Grid-connected rooftop photovoltaic (PV) systems are becoming very common in commercial as well as domestic settings due to a) lowering of PV system prices and b) increased emphasis on reducing CO2 emissions for electricity production. Polycrystalline-silicon (p-Si) modules are most commonly used for these PV systems due to mature technology and lower module costs. Newer thin-film module technologies such as amorphous Si (a-Si), Cadmium Telluride (CdTe) and Copper Indium Selenide (CIS) are also increasing their market share due to performance gains in high-temperature environments. This paper conducts a techno-economic analysis of p-Si and CIS systems under similar ratings and environmental settings (irradiance, temperature, rainfall, and dust). The case study simulates electricity production from two 42 kWp PV systems and compares the simulated results with one year measured data of the deployed systems at Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS), Lahore, Pakistan. Results show that CIS is a better choice from performance ratio perspective as its annual energy production is higher than p-Si. However, p-Si has a better levelized cost of electricity which makes this technology a more viable commercial solution in Pakistan. Furthermore, the area required to implement the p-Si system is significantly lower than the CIS based systems making it more attractive for areas with space constraints. The insights developed in this work can aid PV designers in the optimized selection of a rooftop PV system technology. •Environmental conditions affect performance of PV modules and in turn PV systems.•Two 42 kWp p-Si and CIS based PV systems are evaluated for Lahore, Pakistan.•3D modeling is performed to compare energy yield and PR with actual systems.•Results show CIS produces 1.5% higher annual energy with larger area requirement.•The levelized cost of electricity of p-Si is 4% lower than CIS.