Assessment of Cost-Benefit for a Net Metering Scheme based on Solar PV: Case Study on a University Campus located in Lima-Peru.

Abstract

A net metering scheme based on a 3.25-kWp Photovoltaic System was setup within the facilities of a university campus located in Lima-Peru for evaluation purposes. Solar PV system output as well as energy demand were registered for the entire year 2019. The contribution of solar PV production to total electricity demand is analyzed, considering seasonal variations in both the PV production and the energy consumption within the period of one year. Total implementation cost was calculated by adding CAPEX and OPEX values for a 3.25-kWp solar PV system operating under local conditions. In this case, total investment cost for the PV systems is estimated as 4,063 US$ while annual O&M costs are estimated as 71 US$. Considering a local electricity tariff of 0.15 US$/kWh for the end user, annual cost savings is 1068 US/yr and the overall simple payback turns out to be 4.3 years. Therefore, it can be expected that potential introduction of a net metering squeme may become attractive for end users under local market conditions.