Photovoltaics vs. utility line extension in Austin, Texas

The City of Austin Electric Utility is using stand-alone photovoltaic (PV) systems comprised of solar photovoltaic modules and lead-acid batteries to provide DC electricity to fifteen water flow meters used by the City of Austin Water and Waste Water Department. It was less expensive to provide electricity using stand-alone PV systems than through traditional electric distribution line connections. A 30-year economic analysis indicates that the photovoltaics will save the Electric Utility $61000. The savings are realized after accounting for battery replacements every five years and maintenance costs. Due to the success of the fifteen stand-alone photovoltaic installations, the Electric Utility is implementing a program to identify other cost effective applications of photovoltaic in the electric utility distribution system