ENERGY-COST ANALYSIS FOR HYDROGEN PHOTOVOLTAIC STAND-ALONE POWER-STATIONS

The integration of photovoltaic (PV) generators with a proper storage system based on electrolytic hydrogen production is considered as a pr omising way to overcome the intermittence of PV power generation. Star ting from a previous analysis, aimed at sizing such a PV-hydrogen stan d-alone power station, a careful evaluation of the electric energy cos t is performed, displaying the contribution of various components. A p ossible extrapolation of the present technology status is given and th e prospective results are discussed. For the analyzed configuration, a n energy cost of 0.22 $/kWh has been achieved in a typical energy bala nce situation for a small Mediterranean island. The weights of various components in the determination of this figure are examined and, fina lly, the possible market penetration of PV-hydrogen plants is briefly discussed, focusing on the environmental merits of the systems under i nvestigation.