Irradiance

Figure 1: 1-MW PV power generation system commissioned in October 2004, for the Cagayan de Oro Electric Power and Light Company, the Global Environmental Facility and the International Finance Corporation, at Cagayan de Oro City, Mindanao Island, in the Philippines.

Philippine 1 Megawatt PV Generation System

On the southern island of Mindanao in the Philippines, the Cagayan de Oro Electric Power and Light Company has installed a one-megawatt PV system. The purpose is to investigate the potential for operating an electric power system in which a hydroelectric power station is dispatched in conjunction with a "must-run" PV system to provide firm power to the electric grid. Dr. Kern serves as the technical advisor for this project; he prepared the bid specifications and the competitive proposal review criteria, participated in the contractor selection, reviewed and approved design submittals, and reviewed and approved construction progress milestones. Dr. Kern's involvement began in September 2001 and the system was brought online during April 2004. This project was supported in part by the Global Environmental Facility through the International Finance Corporation to investigate the concept of using PV in conjunction with, and enhancing the capacities of existing hydroelectric power systems constructed in developing nations. Following completion of the system construction, a 5-year performance monitoring and evaluation task is being conducted to assess and report on the project and to improve understanding of PV/Hydro concept. Dr. Kern also developed the first large grid-tied PV system in India (Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu) during the mid-1990s and continues to be interested in working with visionary companies and individuals that appreciate the importance of enabling developing countries to shift directly to 21st Century electric power alternatives.