# PV Benefits Assessment for PV-Powered Charging Stations for Electric Vehicles
###### Abstract
A technical and economic analysis using the tool HOMER (Hybrid Optimization Model for Multiple Energy Resources) software of PVCS under different irradiation conditions is presented in [22]. They show that a region with strong sunshine is more likely to invest in PVCS than other regions with lower solar irradiation, but the charging type is not investigated to assess more the performance of PV energy in recharging EV. As in slow charging, the PV benefits can be improved, where the EVs can depend more on PV and less on power grid whereas in fast charging, the energy demand is high, which increases the dependency on the power grid. The optimal technical design of PV and stationary storage system for charging EVs is decisive to ensure their economic feasibility, which corresponds to the system components sizing with minimum cost [23]. In [23] the study is realized using HOMER software to analyze the economic and technical performances for standalone PVCS associated with battery as stationary storage system. The off-grid PVCS can be considered as a good solution to reduce the CO2 emissions, but it generally works with slow charging terminals and for EVs with a short daily trip. In [24], an analysis is made of PV car parks that meet the aforementioned benefits. Following this techno-economic feasibility study, the PV installation is not always economically feasible, especially for areas where electricity prices are relatively low. Finding sustainable and economic methods for the deployment of PV energy is crucial for the improvement of PV benefits. Therefore, in [25] a techno-economic environmental assessment of two case studies, in Japan and China, of residential PV installations with battery or EVs allowing charging and discharging (Vehicle-to-Home) is conducted, with the projection of the costs of these technologies up to 2030. The high electricity prices in Kyoto, Japan, give the best opportunity for \"PV + EV\", i.e., Vehicle-to-Home, technologies to develop. The areas where electricity prices are lower, such as Shenzhen, China, have a potential reduction of CO2 emission, but they are not economically beneficial. Through the aforementioned literature review, it can be noticed that some problems have not been addressed by the existing investigations:  
1. Currently, there is not enough research on preliminary requirements and feasibility conditions for PVCS. 2. The decision-making model should be improved including the PV benefits assessment information. 3. Lack of analysis of PV benefits under several solar irradiation conditions and different EVs charging profiles. In order to resolve the above issues, this paper focuses on PV benefits assessment for PVCS, and it presents a methodology based on a model giving an economic and technical comparison under different conditions of load and weather conditions, helping the sizing, planning and management of such systems. This work brings the following improvements:  
1. An effective methodology and easy to use Excel-based tool. 2. A flexible sizing of the PVCS according to the users' needs and budgets. 3. A qualitative analysis of PVCS under three types of solar irradiations, two charging profiles and three predefined scenarios and personalized scenario of occupancy rates (OR) of electric charging terminals. This infrastructure is based on PV panels installed on roofs of houses/buildings or car parking shades, EV charging terminals, electrochemical stationary storage, power electronics, and public grid connection. Based on various input parameters, the tool becomes a decision-making one. Thus, the study aims to assess the benefits of PV for PVCS and presents a methodology based on a pre-sizing tool. This tool, divided into three phases, gradually leads the user to a choice of infrastructure compatible with the local constraints, particularly spatial and economic.