Total Cost of Ownership Analysis between D.G. Hybrid and Solar Energy Power Supply Systems for BTS

Abstract:
In recent years, the solar-powered technology is more widely used in different areas worldwide, especially in telecommunication industry, for base stations without or with poor power grids. For many microwave stations and relay stations, solar power systems are gradually replacing the traditional D.G supply, getting more and more widely applied. This paper analyzes the total cost of ownership in double D.G system, hybrid system and solar-powered system based on a telecommunication site in a northern Africa country, with specific and detailed data for the last four years. The double D.G power system's initial investment cost is much lower than the solar-powered system and hybrid-powered system; but the operation and maintenance costs of which, is much higher than the other two options. The initial cost of solar-powered systems and hybrid-powered systems are higher, but they have the advantage of low operation and maintenance costs; as oil price soars, compared to double D.G system, the advantage is getting more remarkable. The initial investment cost of the hybrid power supply system lies between the other two power supply systems, slightly lower than the pure solar power system. In the long run trends, the situation stays the same. It is approved through the operation of this site that after approximately four years, the total cost of ownership of double D.G power system will be more than that of the other two power supply system. This time is longer than expected. Detailed data and analysis will be presented in the paper, as well as the suggestion in real application for BTS.