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Layout optimization of mountain PV involving hydro-PV hybrid system and site selection

Author

Listed:
  • Qi, Dong
  • Kang, Jia
  • Liu, Jinshi
  • Chen, Shijun
  • Chen, Wenlong
  • Xie, Guo
  • Wang, Wenquan

Abstract

Mountain PV technology associated with hydro-PV hybrid systems plays an important role in the future electricity market. This study presented a modified model for the mountain PV module layout, whereby optimal PV construction sites are determined and output performance are evaluated. A case study in Lianghekou Hydropower Station in China was conducted. The Geographic Information System-Analytic Hierarchy Process (GIS-AHP) technique was employed to preliminarily identify six candidate PV sites (Site I ∼ VI) in the study area. Six independent selections were executed based on suitability score distribution and raster image processing, then six specific regions for PV layout were selected. Accumulative area of the six selected regions was approximately 24.6 % of the six-candidate area. The annual power generation per unit area, the Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) and Payback Period (PBP) of optimal candidate site (Site II) were respectively 221.1 kWh/m2, 0.024 USD/kWh and 9.28 year. Compared with conventional layout of large-scale PV modules, proposed layout from the model could achieve 7.7 % increase in power generation, 14 % reduction in LCOE and 18.4 % shortening in PBP. This study provided direct evidence for mountain PV feasibility in hydro-PV hybrid system, and paved the way on PV module layout method in complex mountain environment.

Suggested Citation

  • Qi, Dong & Kang, Jia & Liu, Jinshi & Chen, Shijun & Chen, Wenlong & Xie, Guo & Wang, Wenquan, 2026. "Layout optimization of mountain PV involving hydro-PV hybrid system and site selection," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 256(PB).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:renene:v:256:y:2026:i:pb:s0960148125016829
    DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2025.124018
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