Centralized and decentralized solar power control and distribution: a comparative analysis of operational and economic aspects

Abstract

Solar power is the cleanest and most plentiful source of renewable energy. As the other alternative sources reduce gradually, solar power is now becoming a very popular source of energy in remote areas as well as urban areas. Solar power system can be provided in two ways, centrally and de-centrally. Centralized solar power system is mainly a large-scale installation of solar plants producing substantial electricity which is supplied to the loads. In contrast, decentralized solar power system refers to solar energy solutions that produce energy on-site or near-site. We have found four cases so far that can be powered by both centrally and de-centrally. Those are home systems, battery charging stations, street lights and traffic lights. Considering the increasing demand of solar energy, Control and Applications Research Centre (CARC), BRAC University, has proposed a complete comparison between centralized and decentralized solar power system which includes economic and technical aspects for establishing a reliable solar energy system. We have used HOMER Pro and RETSCREEN software for the economic analysis for each case. This paper briefly describes the different aspects of these two solar power systems and provides a proper suggestion for a better and sustainable power system.