KawanSurya: an Android-based mobile app for assessing the techno-economic potential of rooftop photovoltaic

Abstract

Many developing countries, including Indonesia, are progressing poorly in residential rooftop photovoltaic (PV) adoption, including on-grid systems. On the customer side, the decision to implement on-grid rooftop PV or rely only on power from the utility grid has often been made without appropriate knowledge of techno-economic considerations. This includes the impression of high system costs. This paper introduces KawanSurya: PV calculator, a solar rooftop PV techno-economic application for Android mobile phones, designed to help residential customers assess the potential of installing on-grid rooftop PV systems. The tool allows users to select a specific geographic location, calculate daily load profiles, and determine available roof areas. It uses irradiance data from the PVGIS API and HOMER’s solar PV output equation to determine hourly PV output power. Simulation results for a typical 2,200 VA household show a payback period of 9.44 years or beyond, significantly influenced by electrical load profiles and bill reduction factors. A 65% bill reduction factor and similar load profile prolong the payback period, while a 0% billing reduction factor or uncompensated electricity sales may exceed the project’s lifetime.