In this paper, a new operating mode is proposed where a domestic PVP is considered as
a complementary electricity-source to supply energy to domestic appliances. There is no
need for batteries and neither for a grid-protection system. The installation incorporates
a 1 kWp PVP, six appliances of powers varying between 50 W and 500 W and a switching
unit. A fuzzy decision-making algorithm gives orders to the switching unit so as to connect
each device either to the PVP output or to the electric grid. The decision of the appropriate
connection mode is based on criteria that offer maximum exploitation of the energy delivered
by the PVP during daylight, depending on load demand without disturbing, however,
the appliances’ function. The energy-management system has been implemented at the
Energy and Thermal Research Centre (CRTEn) in the north of Tunisia since January
2005. The results validation is illustrated over four days representing the seasons of the
year. Furthermore an energy audit was established and showed that the proposed system
is able to achieve an energy saving during daylight of 80–90% of the PVP generated
energy.