Objective
To demonstrate the performance and reliability of a stand-alone pv plant to supply electricity to two villages on the Greek island of Gavdos. Gavdos island is situated in the southermost part of Europe. A pv plant consisting of a 20 kWp array, battery storage and an inverter supplies electricity through a small grid.
Average annual production is about 10000 kWh (demand controlled).
The main problems encountered were:
- with the batteries (increasing precipitation, deep discharge, positive pole disformation)
- with the inverter (P.C. boards corrosion)
- with the modules (water leaking in, corrosion).
In spite of the technical problems and the increased project cost the project was successful, as its social value far outweighed its technical and even its financial disadvantages and the satisfaction of the locals is proof of that. The use of photovoltaics for stand alone remote installations requires the improvement of power electronics and storage medium if it is to prove reliable.
Alternatively a hybrid system (pv/wind and Diesel) may be considered for use as a more reliable source of supply.
As the only electricity generation and transmission company in Greece, PPC is promoting an electrification programme for a number of small remote Greek islands which currently have no electricity supply. Electrification is expected to increase the standard of living of the island inhabitants and revitalize local communities. In this project a 20 kWp pv generator supplies electricity for 84 people in two small villages on Gavdos island. Due to the relatively high cost of pv generated electricity, consumers are encouraged to use high efficiency domestic appliances. The pv array consists of 160 monocrystalline Siemens modules, with a tilt angle which can be adjusted each season. The array is connected to a dc-dc converter with a maximum power point tracker, a 936 Ah, 250V storage battery and a Siemens/Interatom dc-ac 30 kVa inverter with a 50 Hz, 220/380V output. The plant was expected to produce approximately 30,000 kWh per year.
The cost of the energy produced over the lifetime ofthe plant is comparable to the cost of producing electricity by using diesel generators.
Monitoring was carried out for two years in accordance with Joint Research Centre guidelines. A technical mission by the JRC has been made in June/July 1988 to assist with the monitoring of this project.
Monitoring data are available at Ispra for the period from July 1987 to July 1990.
Topic(s)
Call for proposal
Data not availableFunding Scheme
DEM - Demonstration contractsCoordinator
10436 Athens
Greece