In this paper, we quantify the economic and environmental implications of operating a standalone photovoltaic-battery system (PVB) while varying the battery’s minimum allowable state of charge (MSOC), the load profile, and simultaneously incorporating ambient temperature effects in hot climates. To that end, Saudi Arabia has been chosen for this case study. Over a project lifetime of 25 years, we find that, contrary to the widely accepted norm of 50% being a reasonable MSOC, a lower MSOC can bestow economic benefits.

Fellow Amro is an expert with over 20 years of experience in energy and technology garnered on three continents. His research… Amro is an expert with over 20 years of experience in energy and technology garnered on three continents. His research interests lie in renewable energy policy, power systems modeling, net-zero power, and hybrid microgrid design and optimization. He has led and executed several national modeling initiatives both at the distributed and utility scales. Some aspects of his research have been adopted by BP in creating their seminal annual statistical review. Amro is the author of 50+ papers and the inventor of several patents. He holds a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering and an MBA in Finance.
Expertise
- Renewable Energy Policy
- Power Modeling
- Net-Zero Power Sector
- Hybrid Microgrid Design and Optimization
Publications See all Amro Elshurafa’s publications

Cost, Footprint, and Reliability Implications of Deploying Hydrogen in Off-grid Electric Vehicle Charging Stations: A GIS-assisted Study for Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
In this paper, we quantify the economic and environmental implications of operating a standalone photovoltaic-battery…
29th January 2023Trends in Global Solar PV Installation in 2021
In this paper, we quantify the economic and environmental implications of operating a standalone photovoltaic-battery…
10th October 2022