DC and AC Power Distribution Systems in Photovoltaic Generation for Household Applications

During the last decade, DC power distribution represents a remarkable increase with renewable energy (RE) generation especially with photovoltaic (PV) systems. DC power distribution with PV system creates a wide prospect for using DC power for residential applications. One of the most challenges to enlarge PV generation is to reduce its cost. Inverter (DC - AC) and its annual maintenance cost represent a considerable value in a PV system, which can be eliminated in case of DC power distribution. This paper is comparing the cost of energy (KWH) in case of AC and DC power distribution for a defined PV system. The studied system can be considered as a model for PV residential application powered by a PV system in developing countries. The two AC and DC systems are simulated and costs of energy are compared to determine the generated energy cost using Homer software.