Multi-Criteria Storage Selection Model for Grid-Connected Photovoltaics Systems

The grid-connected photovoltaics (GCPV) systems are a sustainable alternative to the conventional non-renewable electricity systems. However, GCPV systems create the many issues such as grid overloading, demand and supply variations, and power quality issues. A key way to address such issues is the integration of the effective energy storage technologies in GCPV systems. There are many storage technologies which can be connected with GCPV systems. The integration of a proper storage technology into the GCPV systems may provide a best alternative. This paper evaluates the different storage technologies for GCPV systems using the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) approach. The goal of the AHP model was the selection of the best storage alternative for GCPV systems based on the multiple criteria. The criteria included the storage parameters as well as the parameters related to the compatibility with GCPV systems. The results exhibited that the pumped hydro storage is the best alternative if all the storage and compatibility parameters are equally desirable. However, if AHP model gives the highest preference to the criteria “integration simplicity regarding renewable energy” and “geographic limitations”, the several other storage technologies achieve the higher rankings. Hence, the AHP model provides a greater flexibility to evaluate the different storage technologies for GCPV systems under different circumstances.