Optimal Sizing ofStand-Alone Photovoltaic Energy Systems and Battery Storage Combination for Armidale NSW, Australia

Intermittency is an apparent characteristic of some renewable energy sources and this specifically applies to solar, wind and tidal renewable sources. Thus, battery storage is a real important element of any photo voltaic (PV) energy generation systems. As well, sizing of battery storage plays a vital role in achieving an optimal operation of such a system. Emphasis is greatly required to proper sizing of battery storage. In this context, daily global solar radiation data, for (14) years during the period 1997–2010 were meteorologically measured and recorded at Armidale, NSW, Australia. Those data have been analysed to investigate the optimal size of battery storage capacity for stand-alone PV energy systems. Several sizing configurations have been simulated. The monthly average daily values of solar global radiation on horizontal ranges from4.75 to7.20kWh/m2. Four case studies of Armidale’s houses/units with occupancy of (1, 2, 4 and 6) persons are considered to fulfil fifty percent of the average daily electrical load demand of each occupancy category using PV energy system equipped with battery storage. Calculations showed various combinations of capacities of PV energy system and its related battery storage. Optimal size of PV energy system and relevant battery storage for each occupancy category are conducted based on techno-commercial view.