The purpose of this research is to determine the feasibility of supplying photovoltaic solar energy for the electrical requirements of drinking water and wastewater treatment plants,
The first wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) were developed over a century ago and were soon configured for use with activated sludge. However, despite their long history
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J Environ Manage2019 Oct 15;248:109337. doi: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2019.109337. Epub 2019 Aug 3. This is the first study to assess the current status of solar photovoltaic (PV) adoption across a range of wastewater treatment plant sizes, and to identify the opportunities for solar PV in the wastewater sector.
In these plants, biogas contributed 25-65% to the overall energy demand, while solar provided 8-30%. In wastewater treatment plants with a flow rates below 5 MGD, solar PV often represented the only source of renewable energy, producing 30-100% of the energy demand of these plants.
Batteries enhance the self-consumption of locally generated renewable energy, particularly in buildings with solar PV systems. By storing excess PV generation during the day and discharging it in the evening or during periods of low sunlight, batteries increase energy independence and reduce reliance on the central grid .
Deploying PV panels within the existing space of wastewater treatment facilities is viable 28, although the practical energy density varies depending on factors such as WWTP layout, treatment capacity and local solar conditions.
