An analysis of variation of very large-scale PV(VLS-PV) systems in the world deserts

When you consider the future of our planet, energy problem and environmental problem will appear. The authors propose its solution, which is utilization of deserts for power plant by PV technology. 100 MW VLS-PV systems which are fixed flat plate system in the world deserts and sun-tracking system in the Gobi desert are assumed and evaluated in detail by using life cycle assessment. It means that the VLS-PV systems are evaluated in terms of its input and output from cradle to grave. As a result, 5.4 Cent/kWh cost, 1.6 years energy payback time, and 12 g-C/kWh CO/sub 2/ emission rate for sun tracking system are obtained in the Gobi desert case. Of cause, fixed flat plate systems get the low cost and low energy requirement. The very large-scale sun tracking photovoltaic power generation system is very promising for the energy resource saving and environmental issue.