Feasibility study of a grid-tied 2MW floating solar PV power station and e-transportation facility using ‘SketchUp Pro’ for the proposed smart city of Pondicherry in India

Abstract

The race of smart cities in India places Pondicherry at 75^th position. To improve its ranking position for smart city race, we propose the implementation of 2MW Floating Solar Photovoltaic (FSPV) system -where a large water body could be used for generation of solar power. The floating PV system can be used to attain much higher efficiency compared to its counterpart on land based PV system. The proposed FSPV system could cover solar panel of 1/3^rd area of the proposed lake to generates 2685 MWh annually. A geo-synchronized layout has been prepared using 3D SketchUp Pro with Google maps. The FSPV system could cost USD 1.6 million with a payback period of 6 years. In addition, the implementation of e-transport facility by utilizing e-rickshaws with a battery capacity of 90Ah with 15 Amps DC charging facility has been proposed with an investment of USD 30k, with payback period of just 5 month. The bright side being improved overall payback due to money inflow with the implementation of e-rickshaws; greater job opportunities with benefits to physically challenged persons to improve their overall socio economic status. It is viewed that the proposed FSPV and e-transport could increase the chance to secure smart city plan for Pondicherry.