The First Two Years Of Operations For Austin's 300-kilowwatt Photovoltaic Plant

An analysis of the two-year Performance for Austin's 300-kilawatt photovoltaic plant was carried out. The analysis indicates that the plant is highly reliable with a yearly availability of greater than 99% for the two-year period 1988 through 1989. The plant operated at yearly capacity factors of 22 and 20 percent for the consecutive years, while the peaking capacity factors averaged 41 and 39 percent respectively. During the peak months of May through October the peaking capacity factors average an impressive 55 and 57 % for 1988 and 1989 respectively. The data indicates that the City of Austin could rely on from 50 to 65 percent of the plant's rating at standard operation conditions (SOC) during the City's electric peak demand periods. Maintenance costs were low for the two-year period at less than 1/2 cent per kilowatt-hour, assuming commercial operation.