ABSTRACT
Electric loads in remote, cold-climate areas have traditionally been powered by diesel and gas generators or primary batteries. Photovoltaic (PV) is particularly attractive since it requires little maintenance and no exterior energy source. Energy management strategies are defined by the very nature of the PV system itself. Optimization of the PV system involves understanding how each of the major subsystems affects the overall behaviour of the system. A proper energy management strategy for a PV system will ensure that the energy produced by the PV array is used at its maximum whenever the sun is shining, while making sure that the system is able to power the load efficiently when the sun is not shining. The main strategy for charging a battery in a stand-alone PV–battery system is to recharge it as fast as possible without overcharging it and causing excessive gassing.
