Request for introduction of Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE) into the software

[Veselin Aleksandrov]

Hello,

It would be very helpful if LCOE calculations are introduced in the software and visible in financial report.

We analize more and more our projects using this parameter, since Feed-in-tariffs are not available for some new installations in our part of the world and this is a tendency more and more.

As a start at least simple formula could be introduced, considering mainly CAPEX, OPEX, energy for 25 years with the degradation.

Since we have all needed parameters in the software probably it is posible.

We aim to optimize the systems in order to reach lowest LCOE, which is not always highest energy output - for example for specific project an east-west fixed system could achieve almost same LCOE despite the significant lower production, but due to the lower CAPEX - cheaper structure, high ground coverage ratio, same fixed expences - project development, roads, fences, etc.

Also it would be very helpful if there is instrument to calculate LCOE as function of selected parameter:

- calculate LCOE if AC/DC ratio of inverter is changed

- if tilt is changed

- if project location changes

etc.

Best regards!

[Hizir Apaydin]

Hello,

It would be very helpful if LCOE calculations are introduced in the software and visible in financial report.

We analize more and more our projects using this parameter, since Feed-in-tariffs are not available for some new installations in our part of the world and this is a tendency more and more.

As a start at least simple formula could be introduced, considering mainly CAPEX, OPEX, energy for 25 years with the degradation.

Since we have all needed parameters in the software probably it is posible.

We aim to optimize the systems in order to reach lowest LCOE, which is not always highest energy output - for example for specific project an east-west fixed system could achieve almost same LCOE despite the significant lower production, but due to the lower CAPEX - cheaper structure, high ground coverage ratio, same fixed expences - project development, roads, fences, etc.

Also it would be very helpful if there is instrument to calculate LCOE as function of selected parameter:

- calculate LCOE if AC/DC ratio of inverter is changed

- if tilt is changed

- if project location changes

etc.

Best regards!

 

Dear Veselin,

We thank you for your suggestion.

Actually the cost of energy is visible in the economic evaluation tool and also in the report. The only difference with the strict LCOE definition is that it does not take into account the discount rate (net present value). But the strict LCOE value will be available in a future version of PVsyst. As you suggested, we are also planning to include economic optimizations in simulation according to some defined parameters.

We thank you for your interest in PVsyst.