Application of genetic algorithms in the design of a solar array-exclusive standalone photovoltaic system

In this paper a methodology for optimum design of solar array and battery bank for a solar array-exclusive standalone photovoltaic system using energy balance concept is presented. Long-term data of solar radiation obtained from Malaysian Meteorological Services Department and typical load requirement of a residential house in Malaysia are used. The constraint of system cost function based on loss of power supply probability (LPSP) is implemented using Genetic Algorithms. For a given desired LPSP, the optimum arrangement of solar array and battery bank that gives the minimum system cost is then determined.