Smart photovoltaic system for Indian smart cities: a cost analysis.

In this paper, a methodology and optimization using the artificial bee colony (ABC) algorithm for life cycle cost (LCC) assessment of photovoltaic (PV) system for some Indian smart cities have been presented. Smart cities are the urban areas that utilize solar power PV system with other advanced innovations. The life cycle cost with and without carbon credit earned due to solar power generation in particular smart city should be known. Smart cities aim to assist local bodies in assessing their present energy consumption and future demand. This paper also focuses on PV energy generation, savings, and efficiency with cost. Four smart cities have been selected for LCC estimation on different field condition basis. The results show that in Srinagar, energy production is maximum, i.e., 435MWh, and LCC is minimum INR4125 million with an 8.9% rate of return on it. Therefore, net carbon dioxide emission reduction per annum for smart PV system over a lifetime of 20 years is 76.5 tCOe on the overall thermal energy and 17.7 tCOe on the overall exergy gain. LCC of smart PV system for different years has been estimated and optimized using the ABC algorithm, and the results show a 50.24% reduction in LCC. With the proposed approach, future opportunities for smart cities with smart PV system can be revealed.