Assessment of the technical economic viability and carbon reduction potential of urban-scale photovoltaic generation for electric vehicle charging station

Abstract

China is in the process of constructing the world's largest scale of electric vehicle charging stations (EVCS) to promote the long-term growth of the electric vehicle (EV) market. Installing photovoltaic (PV) on the rooftops of EVCS parking areas can supply clean electricity to these stations, alleviate the strain on the electrical grid, and reduce carbon emissions. Consequently, it is essential to assess the technical, economic, and carbon reduction potential associated with the integration of PV technologies in EVCS. This study examines the potential for PV integration and energy consumption across 156 EVCS located in Wuhan, utilizing data on charging hours, solar irradiation, and geographic information. The findings indicate that the EVCS in Wuhan can accommodate PV systems with capacities of 19.91 MWp and 23.49 MWp at horizontal and optimal tilting angles, respectively, generating 23.96 GWh and 37.58 GWh of electricity. The energy consumption of the EVCS is analysed through year-round production simulations based on various operational targets. The results of the economic potential assessment reveal that the PV to EVCS exhibits superior economic efficiency. In terms of carbon reduction, the horizontal and optimal tilts can achieve reductions of 106.82 kt and 110.48 kt, respectively, contingent upon the operational target. The discussion focused on the future scenario indicators and the feasibility of achieving 100% PV energy utilization in EVCS. This study demonstrates that the integration of EVCS and PV systems serves as a significant contributor to achieving deep decarbonization in both the transportation and power sectors.