PROJECT 06 / 2024 – 2025

Solar, sized to the site

Photovoltaic & battery capacity optimization

ITAC / Energy research · Michigan State University

THE QUESTION

How much solar and storage does each facility actually need?

REopt workflow showing facility loads, costs, technology inputs, and optimized system outputs
Modeling workflow from my UURAF poster, coauthored with Luyao Yuan and Dr. Annick Anctil.

My contribution

For my UURAF project, I used the REopt API to simulate optimal photovoltaic and battery configurations for 33 manufacturers and commercial businesses in Michigan, using data collected through the ITAC program.

The analysis considered load profiles, technology costs, incentives, emissions factors, and battery integration. Outputs included PV size, battery power and capacity, payback periods, potential life-cycle savings, and energy and demand savings.

The simulations indicated that system sizing should follow each facility’s load and constraints. The savings described in the poster are modeled potential, not measured savings after installation.

OUTCOME / CONTRIBUTION

33 Michigan facilities modeled; presented at UURAF 2025.

The process

  1. 01

    Model facility load and costs

  2. 02

    Optimize PV and battery configurations

  3. 03

    Compare projected savings and system sizes

Source: UURAF Poster v3; résumé.

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