Economic analysis of residential PV self-consumption systems with Li-ion batteries under different billing scenarios

Abstract

In this paper, an economic analysis for four houses with a PV self-consumption system with and without Li-ion batteries is carried out. In particular three different ways of sizing PV and batteries are analyzed under three different billing scenarios for the compensation of surplus energy injected into the grid. All methods run under the same energy strategy, which maximizes self-consumption. The three billing scenarios are: (1) no retribution for surplus energy, (2) retribution at pool price (net billing), and (3) monthly net metering. This study shows how fixed costs make these systems just profitable for small systems. Moreover, the results show how the battery cost and lifespan affects the final profitability of the system and what future evolution in these factors is needed for making these systems profitable under different billing methods.