Solar electricity provides non-depleting, site-dependent and environmental-friendly alternative energy
option [28,29]. Although, solar energy is enormous and clean, it is not always economical in comparison
to conventional fossil fuel based electricity. PV modules have the advantage of minimum maintenance
and easy expansion (upsizing) to meet the growing energy needs. This modularity allows users to tailor
PV system to the desired situation. The main disadvantages are the high cost and the need for the
application/load to match with sunshine dependent output of PV. However, technological breakthroughs
(yielding cost reduction of PV, improved efficiency, etc.) may change the scenario.
Due to the increasing price of petroleum products and the reduction in PV systems costs over the last
many years, the opportunities for PV system to address smart energy system seems to be increasing.
Menke (2012) noted that the challenge for smart grid development in Thailand including PV can cover at
least daily load profile which is mainly air conditioning driven [30]. The monitoring of PV plant
performance becomes the key issue since electricity from PV is dependent on solar radiation.