Grid-connected PV systems in the Pacific Island Countries

Grid connected solar photovoltaic (GCPV) systems are fast becoming a regular feature of electricity power networks in urban and peri-urban areas within most Pacific Island Countries. A number of systems have been installed with many in the pipeline. This relatively new technology, utilizing the intermittent solar energy resource has presented new challenges to small island utilities that were hitherto almost completely dependent on diesel generators and hydropower. The present paper describes the current status of GCPV systems in the Pacific region and reviews some of the issues that arise in the deployment of this technology. It also reports a case study involving a 45 kWp GCPV system located at the University of the South Pacific (USP) marine campus in Fiji. One of the first two GCPV systems established in Fiji, this system has an annual production of ~54,000 kW h and supplies about 10% of the electricity requirements of the campus. The actual system performance agreed well with the simulated results. This system also reduces USP׳s annual carbon footprint by more than 27,000 kg CO2e.