An analysis of distributed solar fuel systems

Abstract

While solar fuel systems offer tremendous potential to address global clean energy needs, most existing analyses have focused on the feasibility of large centralized systems and applications. Not much research exists on the feasibility of distributed solar fuel systems. This thesis is an attempt to understand the larger context of solar fuel systems, to examine the case for going distributed and to critically analyze a distributed solar fuel system available today in the context of a specific application. In doing so, this thesis seeks to a) provide a baseline analysis for the economic feasibility of a distributed solar fuel system based on state-of-the-art technology b) draw some general conclusions about the nature of such systems in order to provide guidance to those engaged in the development of the next generation of solar fuel systems. This study also compares the chosen baseline solar fuel system with a traditional fossil fuel-based alternative and undertakes a cost-to-emissions trade-off analysis. A key finding of this thesis is that for solar fuel systems to be viable, cost and efficiency improvements in individual sub-systems won't be sufficient. Due attention needs to be given to bring down cost of the entire system. Another key finding is that if carbon emissions are considered as a decision-making criterion in addition to cost, even at current cost levels photovoltaic hydrogen systems compare favorably with existing fossil fuel-based alternatives such as diesel generators.