SEI-2: Computational Tools for Economic Assessment, Bankability, and Deployment

Solar Energy Research Center for India and the United States (SERIIUS)

Thrust:

Solar Energy Integration

Activity:

Roadmapping and assessment

Objective:

To survey, collect, assess, and develop necessary computation, modeling, and analysis capabilities and tools for device cost modeling and techno-economic analysis, resource assessment, policy analysis, process modeling and engineering assessment, systems analysis, and grid models; to provide guidance on research priorities and potential impact efficiently to maintain the consortium focus on R&D for new materials, concepts, and systems in the SERIIUS R&D portfolio.

Project Milestones:

S3: A set of open-source computational models with an intuitive graphic interface for use in solar energy technology and assessment (made available through the SERIIUS website) (24 months).

S4: Cost models for technologies manufacturing in India (36 months).

S5: Dissemination of key findings through reports, workshops, and interactions with stakeholders (annual)

Task 1: Computational and assessment tool development and implementation

  • Center for the Study of Science, Technology and Policy (CSTEP)
  • RAND Corporation
  • Wipro Ltd.
  • Indian Institute of Science (IISc)
  • National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)

Implement and develop computational engineering/economic models of components, materials, and manufacturing processes to determine the likelihood of financial success based on risks and uncertainties associated with the technology itself, competition from other generation options, and the local market and policy environment—a concept known as bankability. Bankability includes: financial viability across a range of applications, effect of individual components, materials, and manufacturing processes. Extend the computational energy models developed in this task to develop a solar (PV) bankability assessment model for the Indian context to indicate potential thresholds of cost improvements from solar PV and CSP R&D and impacts on bankability. Assess key elements of bankability. Leverage existing tools including techno-economic models developed at NREL to customize a tool for Indian conditions (resources, constraints, economics). Disseminate key findings through reports, workshops, and interactions with stakeholders (yearly).