An Android-based mobile platform for understanding Residential PV system sizing

Abstract

This research study presents the design of a mobile Android application which provides efficient PV sizing recommendations for residential users. The paper aims to promote the adoption of solar energy to meet energy demands for residential use, by providing accurate information to prospective renewable energy users via the development of an android application for the sizing of PV-battery systems. The study adopted a Design Science Research (DSR) methodology which employs models, techniques, and algorithms to create artifacts expected to meet specified sets of functional requirements. DSR provided stepwise processes for development of the application, validation, testing and evaluation. The evaluation of the android application’s accuracy was presented in this paper, after extensive testing by experts and non-experts. Its performance showed that the feasibility of the application is suitable for potential users and professionals alike. The use of the developed mobile application could strengthen public-private partnerships that would promote widespread use of PV- battery system for residential applications.