Análisis Técnico y Económico de la Implementación del Net Metering para diferentes tipos de Consumidores de Electricidad en el Ecuador

Abstract

Technical and economic aspects for the implementation of photovoltaic generation projects for electrical self-consumption are analyzed. Laws and regulations related to the development of

these projects are reviewed. With the results of this analysis, decision of the implementation of the projects are taking, with benefit for both distribution companies (ED) and end consumers (CF).

The study begins with a categorizing of the data base of residential, commercial and industrial customers of Electricity Utilities. For this categorization, a “Clustering” method is used. With the results of this method, customers classification is achieved, based on appropriate parameters of similarity. This allows to make technical and economic studies for different categories of electrical customers.

The best calculation method for the Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) is analyzed and selected. After that, the LCOE is compared with the "Grid Parity" value, and thereby analyze the viability of each standard projects.

Using a simulation software, power plants are sized for standard projects. Finally, an economic analysis is performed based on indicators such as the LCOE, Grid Parity, the Internal Rate of Return and the Estimated Time of Investment Recovery. Using these financial parameters, it is possible to determine the feasibility of the studied projects.