Feasibility study on powering cathodic protection systems with solar energy

The aim of the paper is to evaluate the feasibility of powering impressed current cathodic protection systems using solar energy. For this purpose, a solar system with battery storage was designed to power the cathodic protection system, calculating both the initial investment costs and the costs over the entire lifespan of the system. Additionally, the costs required to extend the low-voltage grid to power the designed system were determined, and a comparison was made between the two power supply methods in terms of costs and distances to the connection point with the electrical system. Finally, the main conclusions regarding the feasibility of the two methods and their importance in practical applications were highlighted. The most cost-efficient system over the considered lifetime is the one that uses Li-based batteries and a minimum number of electric support poles. The results show that the use of ICCP systems powered by photovoltaic panels with battery storage (PV-BA) is feasible when the distance to the connection point with the grid exceeds 4 km.