Technical-economic analysis of the first mini-generation photovoltaic system of Piaui, Brazil

The first distributed mini-generation photovoltaic system in the state of Piaui was installed on the Floriano campus of the Federal Institute of Piaui. The system consists of 660 photovoltaic modules and occupies an area of approximately 1.122 m2 of roof. This article aims to evaluate the performance of the first year of operation, which runs from May 2016 to June 2017, compared to technical and economic aspects. The technical analysis was done through the calculation of the indexes of merit: Final Productivity Performance Rate and Capacity Factor. In the economic viability analysis were used the concepts of Net Present Value, Internal Rate of Return, Payback and Cost-Benefit Ratio. The results demonstrate that the system has technical feasibility, since it presented a good generation in its first year of operation, with production superior to other systems installed in public educational institutions of Brazil. In addition, it has shown a positive balance in the Net Present Value, but with a long Payback and a very high Cost-Benefit Ratio, which may compromise its economic viability. However, in view of the institution's final activity, the installation of the photovoltaic system will bring benefits beyond the reduction of electricity consumption, if used in teaching, research and extension activities.