Determining realistic photovoltaic generation targets in an isolated power system

The Puerto Rico Energy Affairs Administration, motivated by the great potential of renewable energy in the Island, commissioned a study to the University of Puerto Rico to identify achievable and realistic renewable energy targets for the Island. The study was intended to summarize the technical requirements of a number of renewable energy technologies in the island and the potential generation capacity achievable in the island. The study will be the basis of a proposal for a renewable energy portfolio in the island. This paper deals with the photovoltaic potential in Puerto Rico. The main finding in the paper is that there is enough proven “rooftop resource” available in the Island to support all the residential energy needs, and significant levels of commercial and industrial energy demand.