System optimization configuration and cross-subsidy estimation tool for off-grid Pv/wind power systems in west China

This paper describes a joint effort of the Institute for Electrical Engineering of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (IEEE), and the US National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NTREL) to support China's rural electrification program with renewable energy. This project developed a convenient analysis tool that provides guidelines both for off-grid renewable energy system designs and for cost-based tariff and finance schemes to support them. The tool is intended set up a standard for optimal configuration and the cost valuation to be used as the basis for cost-based tariffs to make those rural renewable energy electrification projects sustainable. Here we describe both the operation of the tool and the off-line analysis incorporated into it. We also comment on the potential significance of these methods for,China's Village Electrification Program and other programs worldwide.