Feasibility study of a grid connected photovoltaic system for the central region of Fiji

Grid-connected photovoltaic systems are becoming attractive due to the decrease in cost of PV modules and through the possibilities of integration of renewable resources generated power into the traditional power systems. The heavy dependence on expensive imported diesel for power generation in the Pacific Island Countries (PICs) make renewable energy based systems more viable. For large buildings where electricity demand is high and the lighting and other energy needs are just provided by grid delivered electricity, grid-tied building-integrated photovoltaics should be examined carefully to assess their technical and economic potential. This work describes the design and analysis of a grid-tied PV system for the C block of the Fiji National University(FNU) Samabula campus. A preliminary system design was done using the software PVSYST and then a techno-economic analysis was carried out using HOMER. This paper also outlines the many aspects of grid connected solar power system that makes it viable and economically attractive