Solar-Photovoltaic Power for Broadcasting Stations: An Economic Analysis

摘要

An economic analysis of the profitability for broadcasting stations of replacing conventional electricity with on-site solar photovoltaic power systems has been undertaken. Technological characteristics of these power systems are presented along with the economic assumptions necessary for their evaluation. Time of initial profitability, time of optimal investment, optimum system capacity, and impact of tax incentivs on profitability are analyzed for several locations in the country representative of the range of insolation conditions. The analyses indicate that photovoltaic power systems are expected, if cost predictions are met, to prove profitable for the broadcasting market in the Southwest by the early 1980s, in the South by the mid-1980s and in the Northeast by the late 1980s. The study was performed in 1979 and was used o help design an experimental PV power system for a radio station in Ohio, which was installed in that year and has operated successfully ever since. (ERA citation 07:062820)