Researchers from Skoltech have developed an optimization model that allows companies to evaluate the economic feasibility of integrating solar power generation and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology. The model helps businesses assess potential cost savings on electricity by analyzing different operational strategies before committing capital.
The approach considers specific Russian industrial electricity pricing, which includes hourly rates and peak-load capacity charges. By using bidirectional chargers, companies can manage the charging of employees' electric vehicles or discharge them to balance energy needs, provided the drivers agree to participate.
The study analyzed six energy supply scenarios over a 10-year horizon, comparing combinations of solar panels, managed charging, and V2G systems. While V2G solutions without solar panels may offer a faster payback period, the combined implementation of solar and V2G technology is projected to yield the highest long-term financial returns.
The model accounts for user behavior, noting that financial outcomes are more conservative when considering that not all employees will choose to participate. Future research will focus on calibrating the model using real-world data on charging patterns and user behavior to refine these economic projections.
