A New Regulatory Approach for PV-Based Self-Supply, Validated by a Techno-Economic Assessment: A Case Study for Slovenia

When it comes to the proliferation of photovoltaic (PV) systems, technological solutions have to go hand in hand with optimized policy approaches and regulatory frameworks. This paper proposes a new application of state-of-the-art PV potential estimation method based on Light Detection And Ranging (LiDAR) data targeted toward individual household self-supply. The performance of the proposed general approach is demonstrated in the case of Slovenian PV based self-supply (yearly net self-sufficient energy supply) scheme and related policy. The results obtained by PV potential assessment method show drawbacks of the current policy solution in Slovenia, which limits the installed peak power of the PV systems to 80% of the rated power supply. The paper proposes to change the policy in a way that increases the yearly energy production of the PV system and assures proper voltage profiles in the electricity network. The paper is novel in terms of considering PV potential over LiDAR data by also considering self-sustainability, in using such techno-economic analysis to validate the merits and demerits of a policy approach and is the first such case study used in the context of Slovenian self-supply policy. The proposed PV potential estimation method is generally applicable for any location and can be easily adjusted to the local regulatory framework.