The cost-effectiveness of a photovoltaic park is characterized by several factors. That is enabling the possibility for the investor to perform little modifications during the planning to gain a change in the yield.
In addition to the pure project size, which can ensure discounts, it is determining to choose the right module technology. In this context the question of the origin of the distributor is occurring. Foreign suppliers are frequently being able to offer installations at a reduced rate. Nevertheless, some banks have a hard time financing exotic modules.
A second important aspect in planning a photovoltaic installation is choice of the inverter. One of his main tasks is the accomplishment of the sinusoidal electricity feed-in as well as the function control of the installation. Beyond that the inverter is ensuring the steadily adjustment of the photovoltaic installation at the optimal operating point (MPP = Maximum Power Point).
That’s why an wrong dimensioned inverter can be responsible for massive profit cuts.
Besides the costs for the modules it is necessary to pay attention to several other points to calculate the investment costs:
Inverter
Costs of the site
Foundations
Subconstruction
Transformer
Perimeter fence or enclosure
Installation and other costs
To calculate the cost-effectiveness a consideration of the accruing operating costs is required. Relevant, beside the economic matters of expense, are the maintenance, repair and insurance. The conventional expected operating costs are approximately 2 % per year of the investment costs.
The whole expenses are being confronted with the expected income of the photovoltaic park. That is why a simulation, respectively a calculation of expected yield is especially important for determination of the cost-effectiveness of the park. First basic approaches are made by weather maps. But for a detailed planning a precisely made simulation und consideration of weather data, the surrounding and the slope of the modules is required. Considerations of shading of the installations should be made too.
If you have the intention to apply for a credit, you should, at least, be able to give in a complete offer with the specifications of the used components and the wiring plan. The calculation of the cost-effectiveness on the basis of the predicted average annual yield under consideration of the expected operating costs is the second cornerstone for a succeeding credit application. Some banks demand the acquisition of a maintenance agreement if you are going to build a bigger photovoltaic installation to warranty minor downtimes and thereby the availability of the installation.