| Abstract: | This paper presents the optimal sizing and life cycle assessment of residential photovoltaic (PV) energy systems. The system consists of PV modules as the main power producer, and lead–acid batteries as the medium of electricity storage, and other essential devices such as an inverter. Five‐parameter analytic PV cell model is used to calculate the energy production from the modules. Electrical needs for a family living under normal conditions of comfort are modelled and used within simulation of the system performance, with an average daily load of approximately 9·0 kWh. The system's performance simulations are carried out with typical yearly solar radiation and ambient temperature data from five different sites in Turkey. The typical years are selected from a total of 6 years data for each site. The life cycle cost of the PV system is analysed for various system configurations for a 20‐year system life. The role of the batteries in PV energy systems are analysed in terms of the cost and power loss. The system performance is analysed as a function of various parameters such as energy production and cost. It is shown that these change substantially for different system configurations and locations. The life cycle assessment of the energy system described was also carried out to determine the environmental impact. It was found that, with the conservative European average electricity mix, energy pay back time (EPBT) is 6·2 years and CO2 pay back time is 4·6 years for the given system. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. |
