Program, simulation device, and simulation method

Abstract

To solve the problem that it is difficult to support introduction of a photovoltaic power generation system of an appropriate scale.SOLUTION: A simulation device 1 acquires each of two or more pieces of investment information based on the number of installed panels, acquires a power generation amount of each of two or more unit times during a user period for each of two or more pieces of investment information, acquires the power demand amount of each unit time, acquires difference information of difference between the power generation amount and the demand amount in each unit time of each of two or more pieces of investment information, acquires a purchase power rate by using an insufficient power amount and the purchase power information in each of two or more pieces of investment information and in each unit time, acquires a sell-off power amount by using a surplus power amount and sold power information, acquires an initial investment amount of the number of installed solar panels in each of two or more pieces of investment information, acquires the total expense amount by using the purchase power rate, the sell-off power amount and the initial investment amount in each of two or more pieces of investment information, and acquires and outputs output information based on the total expense amount in each of two or more pieces of investment information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a simulation device or the like that acquires a total price for each number of installed solar panels (hereinafter referred to as "panels") and outputs information based on the total price. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there has been a photovoltaic power generation system that predicts the amount of power generated when the photovoltaic power generation system is installed (see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-233955 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, with conventional technologies, it has been difficult to support the introduction of solar power generation systems of an appropriate scale. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The simulation device of the first invention includes a price management unit that stores purchased power information related to the cost of purchasing power and sold power information related to the cost of selling power, an investment acquisition unit that acquires two or more pieces of investment information based on the number of solar panels installed, an electricity generation amount acquisition unit that acquires, for each of the two or more pieces of investment information, the amount of electricity generated for each of two or more unit hours included in a 24-hour usage period when the number of solar panels indicated by the number of panels installed is installed, a demand amount acquisition unit that acquires the amount of electricity demand for each of the two or more unit hours in the usage period, a difference acquisition unit that acquires difference information that is the difference between the amount of electricity generated and the amount of demand for each of the two or more pieces of investment information and for each of the two or more unit hours in the usage period, and a difference acquisition unit that acquires, for each of the two or more pieces of investment information and for each of the two or more unit hours in the usage period, difference information that is the difference between the amount of electricity generated and the amount of demand for each of the two or more pieces of investment information and for each of the two or more unit hours in the usage period. a fee acquisition unit that acquires the purchased electricity fee using the shortage energy amount, which is the absolute value of the difference information, and the purchased electricity information if the difference information is a positive number, and acquires the sold electricity fee using the surplus energy amount, which is the difference information, and the sold electricity information if the difference information is a positive number; an initial investment amount acquisition unit that acquires the initial investment amount when the number of solar panels indicated by the number of panels to be installed, for each of two or more pieces of investment information; a total amount acquisition unit that acquires the total amount of expenses for a specified usage period, for each of two or more pieces of investment information, using the purchased electricity fee for each of two or more unit hours in the usage period, the sold electricity fee for each of two or more unit hours in the usage period, and the initial investment amount; an output acquisition unit that acquires output information based on the total amount of expenses for the usage period for each of two or more pieces of investment information; and an output unit that outputs the output information.

[0006] This configuration can support the introduction of a photovoltaic power generation system of an appropriate scale.

[0007] In addition, the simulation device of the second invention is a simulation device in which, compared to the first invention, the total amount acquisition unit acquires the total amount of expenses for each of two or more usage periods, and the output acquisition unit acquires output information that clearly shows the total amount for each of two or more usage periods and for each of two or more pieces of investment information in a comparable manner.

[0008] This configuration can support the introduction of a photovoltaic power generation system of an appropriate scale.

[0009] In addition, the simulation device of the third invention is a simulation device that, compared to the first or second invention, includes a charge amount management unit in which charge amount information regarding the charge amount of the storage battery is stored, and a difference acquisition unit that includes an initial difference acquisition means for acquiring difference information, which is the difference between the amount of power generated and the amount of demand, for each of two or more pieces of investment information and for each of two or more unit times in the usage period, a charge amount acquisition means for acquiring a charge amount using the charge amount information when the difference information acquired by the initial difference acquisition means is a positive number for each of two or more pieces of investment information and for each of two or more unit times in the usage period, and a discharge application means for applying a charge amount to one or more unit times corresponding to when the difference information acquired by the initial difference acquisition means is a negative number for each of two or more pieces of investment information, and acquiring the difference information.

[0010] This configuration can support the introduction of a photovoltaic power generation system of an appropriate scale, taking into consideration the introduction of a storage battery.

[0011] Furthermore, in the simulation device of the fourth invention, compared to the third invention, the charge amount information includes information specifying changes in the storage battery capacity over time, and the charge amount acquisition means acquires the charge amount using the charge amount information specifying changes in the storage battery capacity over time.

[0012] This configuration can support the introduction of a photovoltaic power generation system of an appropriate scale, taking into account the deterioration of the storage battery over time.

[0013] Furthermore, the simulation device of the fifth invention is a simulation device according to any one of the first to fourth inventions, further comprising a power generation amount management unit in which power generation amount information specifying changes in the power generation amount of the solar panels over time is stored, and the power generation amount acquisition unit is a simulation device that uses the power generation amount information to acquire the power generation amount for each of two or more unit times included in 24 hours of the usage period when the number of solar panels indicated by the number of panels to be installed is installed for each of two or more pieces of investment information.

[0014] This configuration can support the introduction of a photovoltaic power generation system of an appropriate scale.

[0015] Furthermore, the simulation device of the sixth invention is a simulation device in which, compared to any one of the first to fifth inventions, the price management unit stores unit price prediction information relating to predictions of future electricity unit prices, and the fee acquisition unit, for each of two or more pieces of investment information and for each of two or more unit times in the usage period, if the difference information is a negative number, uses the unit price prediction information to acquire the future electricity unit price for purchasing electricity, and acquires the purchase electricity fee using the electricity unit price and the amount of electricity shortage, and if the difference information is a positive number, acquires the sale electricity fee using the amount of electricity surplus and the electricity sales information.

[0016] This configuration can support the introduction of a photovoltaic power generation system of an appropriate scale when taking into account fluctuations in the unit price of electricity. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] The simulation device according to the present invention can assist in the introduction of a photovoltaic power generation system of an appropriate scale. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] Conceptual diagram of information system A in embodiment 1 [Figure 2] Block diagram of Information System A [Figure 3] A flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the simulation device 1. [Figure 4] Flowchart illustrating an example of a difference acquisition process [Figure 5] Flowchart illustrating an example of the total amount acquisition process [Figure 6] Flowchart illustrating an example of the output acquisition process [Figure 7] Figure showing the total amount management table [Figure 8] Figure showing an example of the output [Figure 9] Overview of the computer system [Figure 10] Block diagram of the computer system DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] Hereinafter, embodiments of a simulation device and the like will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that components with the same reference numerals in the embodiments perform similar operations, and therefore repeated description may be omitted.

[0020] (Embodiment 1) In this embodiment, a simulation device that calculates the total cost for each number of installed solar panels and outputs information based on the total cost will be described.

[0021] In this embodiment, a simulation device that outputs the total amount for each of two or more usage periods in a comparable manner will be described. Note that a usage period is a period during which a photovoltaic power generation system having one or more solar panels is used.

[0022] In this embodiment, a simulation device will be described that acquires a total amount taking into consideration the introduction of a storage battery and outputs information based on the total amount.

[0023] In addition, in this embodiment, a simulation device will be described that takes into account aging of solar panels and storage batteries, acquires a total amount, and outputs information based on the total amount.

[0024] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a simulation device will be described that takes into consideration forecast information on future electricity unit prices, acquires a total amount, and outputs information based on the total amount.

[0025] In this specification, information X being associated with information Y means that information Y can be obtained from information X, or information X can be obtained from information Y, and the method of association is not important. Information X and information Y may be linked, may exist in the same buffer, information X may be included in information Y, or information Y may be included in information X, etc.

[0026] Furthermore, in this specification, selecting or determining information Z means obtaining information Z, obtaining a pointer to information Z, obtaining the ID of information Z, setting a flag on information Z, etc., and it is sufficient if information Z can be accessed.

[0027] 1 is a conceptual diagram of an information system A according to this embodiment. The information system A includes a simulation device 1 and one or more terminal devices 2.

[0028] The simulation device 1 is, for example, a cloud server or an ASP server, but the type is not important. The simulation device 1 may also be a terminal. If the simulation device 1 is a terminal, the information system A does not need a terminal device 2, or the simulation device 1 may also serve as the terminal device 2.

[0029] The terminal device 2 is a terminal used by a user. The user may be, for example, a person who proposes the installation of solar panels to a customer (e.g., a sales representative), or a person who is considering installing solar panels. The terminal device 2 may be, for example, a personal computer, a smartphone, or a tablet terminal, but the type is not important.

[0030] The simulation device 1 and one or more terminal devices 2 can communicate with each other via a network such as the Internet.

[0031] 2 is a block diagram of the information system A according to this embodiment. The simulation device 1 includes a storage unit 11, a reception unit 12, a processing unit 13, and an output unit .

[0032] The storage unit 11 constituting the simulation device 1 includes a price management unit 111, a power generation amount management unit 112, a demand amount management unit 113, and a charge amount management unit 114. The processing unit 13 includes an investment acquisition unit 131, a power generation amount acquisition unit 132, a demand amount acquisition unit 133, a difference acquisition unit 134, a fee acquisition unit 135, an initial investment amount acquisition unit 136, a total amount acquisition unit 137, and an output acquisition unit 138. The difference acquisition unit 134 includes an initial difference acquisition means 1341, a charge amount acquisition means 1342, and a discharge application means 1343.

[0033] The terminal device 2 includes a terminal storage unit 21, a terminal reception unit 22, a terminal processing unit 23, a terminal transmission unit 24, a terminal reception unit 25, and a terminal output unit 26.

[0034] Various types of information are stored in the storage unit 11 that constitutes the simulation device 1. The various types of information include, for example, purchased power information (to be described later), sold power information (to be described later), unit price forecast information (to be described later), power generation amount information (to be described later), demand amount information (to be described later), charged amount information (to be described later), information on one or more solar panels, the price of one or more types of storage batteries, information identifying candidate storage batteries (e.g., "no storage battery," "storage battery 1," "storage battery 2"), information identifying candidate numbers of panels (e.g., "1 to 50 panels"), and information identifying candidate usage periods (e.g., "10 years," "15 years," "20 years"). The storage battery category may be AC ​​link, DC link, or the like.

[0035] Solar panel information is information about solar panels. The solar panel information has one or more panel attribute values. The panel attribute values ​​are, for example, the system capacity (kWh) of one solar panel and the price of one solar panel.

[0036] Power purchase information and power sale information are stored in the price management unit 111. The price management unit 111 may also store unit price prediction information.

[0037] Purchased power information is information relating to the cost of purchasing electricity. Purchased power information is, for example, the purchased power unit price, which is the cost per unit amount when purchasing electricity, information showing the change over time in two or more purchased power unit prices (purchased power unit prices at two or more points in time), purchased power unit prices and the rate of increase, or a purchased power calculation formula. The purchased power calculation formula is a calculation formula for calculating the purchased power unit price at a certain time. The purchased power calculation formula is, for example, a calculation formula with the current purchased power unit price and the elapsed time from the present as parameters.

[0038] The power sales information is information relating to the cost of selling electricity. The power sales information is, for example, the power sales price, which is the price per unit amount when selling electricity, information showing the time trends of two or more power sales prices (power sales prices at two or more points in time), the power sales price and its rate of increase, and a power sales calculation formula. The power sales calculation formula is a calculation formula for calculating the power sales price at a certain point in time. The power sales calculation formula is, for example, a calculation formula with the current power sales price and the elapsed time from the present as parameters.

[0039] The unit price prediction information is information relating to the prediction of future electricity unit prices. The unit price prediction information is one or both of information relating to the prediction of future power purchase information and information relating to the prediction of future power sales information. The unit price prediction information is, for example, the power purchase price or power sales price for each usage period (e.g., each year, each month), the rate of increase in the power purchase price or the rate of increase in the power sales price (e.g., the rate of increase for each year, the rate of increase for each month).

[0040] The power generation amount management unit 112 stores power generation amount information for one or more target destinations. The power generation amount management unit 112 stores one or more pieces of power generation amount information for each target destination. A target destination is a destination or candidate for introduction of a solar power generation system. It is preferable that the power generation amount information be associated with a target destination identifier that identifies the target destination.

[0041] The power generation amount information is information that specifies the amount of power generated in a specific time period. For example, the power generation amount information is the amount of power generated in each of two or more time periods per panel. For example, the power generation amount information is the amount of power generated in each of two or more time periods when a specific number of panels are used. The power generation amount information may include information that specifies the change in the amount of power generated by one solar panel over time. For example, the power generation amount information is information that indicates the change in the amount of power generated over time, the basic amount of power generated (initial amount of power generated) and the decay rate of one solar panel in each of two or more time periods. The decay rate is the rate of decrease in the amount of power generated over time (for example, every year). When the power generation amount information is the amount of power generated in each of two or more time periods when a specific number of panels are used, the power generation amount information may be called a power generation amount set.

[0042] The demand amount management unit 113 stores demand amount information. Demand amount information is information that specifies the amount of electricity demanded by a user. Demand amount information is, for example, information that specifies the amount of electricity demanded for each of two or more unit times. Demand amount information is, for example, information that specifies the amount of electricity demanded for each of two or more unit times in a usage period. The unit time is, for example, 1 hour, 30 minutes, or 2 hours. The usage period is, for example, 10 years, 15 years, or 20 years. Demand amount information is the amount of electricity demanded by a user for each unit time (for example, 1 hour) in one year during a usage period (for example, 10 years). When the demand amount information is information that specifies the amount of electricity demanded for each of two or more unit times, the demand amount information may also be referred to as a demand amount set.

[0043] One or more pieces of charge amount information are stored in the charge amount management unit 114. Each of the one or more pieces of charge amount information is associated with an identifier of a storage battery.

[0044] The charge amount information is information relating to the charge amount of the storage battery. The charge amount information preferably includes information specifying the change in the capacity of the storage battery over time. The charge amount information may include, for example, the maximum charge amount, the base charge amount, and the rate of change over time. The charge amount information may include the charge amount stored in the storage battery at a given time.

[0045] The reception unit 12 receives various instructions and information. The various instructions and information are, for example, a start instruction. The start instruction is an instruction to start a simulation, which will be described later. The start instruction includes, for example, demand information of the target destination or a target destination identifier.

[0046] Here, acceptance usually means receiving from terminal device 2, but it may also be a concept that includes acceptance of information input from input devices such as a keyboard, mouse, or touch panel, or acceptance of information read from recording media such as optical disks, magnetic disks, or semiconductor memories.

[0047] The reception unit 12 receives, for example, various instructions and information from the terminal device 2. The reception unit 12 receives, for example, various instructions and information from a user.

[0048] The processing unit 13 performs various types of processing. The various types of processing are, for example, processing performed by the investment acquisition unit 131, the power generation amount acquisition unit 132, the demand amount acquisition unit 133, the difference acquisition unit 134, the fee acquisition unit 135, the initial investment amount acquisition unit 136, the total amount acquisition unit 137, or the output acquisition unit 138.

[0049] The investment acquisition unit 131 acquires two or more pieces of investment information based on the number of solar panels to be installed. The investment information is information indicating potential investments in solar panels by the user. The investment information is information based on the number of potential solar panels to be purchased by the user. The investment information is, for example, the number of solar panels to be installed or the system capacity (kWh). The investment acquisition unit 131, for example, multiplies the number of solar panels by the capacity (kWh) per panel stored in the storage unit 11 to calculate the system capacity (kWh). The investment acquisition unit 131, for example, acquires potential numbers of solar panels stored in the storage unit 11.

[0050] The power generation amount acquisition unit 132 acquires, for each of two or more pieces of investment information, the power generation amount for each of two or more unit times included in 24 hours of the usage period when the number of solar panels indicated by the installation number is installed. Note that, when the investment information is the system capacity, the number of installations that satisfies the system capacity can be acquired using the solar panel information in the storage unit 11.

[0051] The power generation amount acquisition unit 132 acquires, for each of two or more pieces of investment information, the power generation amount for each of two or more unit times included in the 24-hour usage period when the number of solar panels indicated by the number of panels installed is installed, using the power generation amount information from the power generation amount management unit 112.

[0052] For example, for each of two or more pieces of investment information, the power generation amount obtaining unit 132 obtains the amount of power generated for each of two or more unit times included in a 24-hour usage period when the number of solar panels indicated by the number of installations is installed from the power generation amount information of the power generation amount management unit 112. For example, for each of two or more pieces of investment information, the power generation amount obtaining unit 132 calculates the amount of power generated for each of two or more unit times included in a 24-hour usage period when the number of solar panels indicated by the number of installations is installed by multiplying the basic power generation amount for the time period of each unit time of the power generation amount management unit 112 by an attenuation rate.

[0053] The demand amount acquisition unit 133 acquires the demand amount for electricity for each of two or more unit times during the usage period. The demand amount acquisition unit 133 typically acquires the demand amount for electricity (typically in units of "KWh") for each of two or more unit times during the usage period using the demand amount information from the demand amount management unit 113. The demand amount acquisition unit 133 reads out the demand amount for electricity for each of two or more unit times during the usage period from the demand amount information from the demand amount management unit 113, for example.

[0054] The difference acquisition unit 134 acquires difference information, which is the difference between the amount of power generation and the amount of demand, for each of two or more pieces of investment information and for each of two or more unit times in the utilization period.

[0055] The initial difference acquisition means 1341 acquires difference information, which is the difference between the amount of power generation acquired by the power generation amount acquisition unit 132 and the amount of demand acquired by the demand amount acquisition unit 133, for each of two or more pieces of investment information and for each of two or more unit times in the usage period. This difference information is initial difference information.

[0056] The charge amount acquiring means 1342 acquires the charge amount for each of two or more pieces of investment information and for each of two or more unit times in the usage period when the difference information acquired by the initial difference acquiring means 1341 is a positive number. The charge amount is the amount of power that can be charged, and is, for example, a value obtained by adding the difference information acquired by the initial difference acquiring means 1341.

[0057] It is preferable that the charge amount acquiring means 1342 acquires the charge amount using charge amount information that specifies the change over time in the capacity of the storage battery.

[0058] The discharge application means 1343 allocates the charge amount acquired by the charge amount acquisition means 1342 to one or more unit times corresponding to the case where the difference information acquired by the initial difference acquisition means 1341 is a negative number for each of two or more pieces of investment information, and acquires the difference information. In such cases, the difference information is "0" or "charge amount + difference information acquired by the initial difference acquisition means 1341."

[0059] For each of two or more pieces of investment information and for each of two or more unit times in the usage period, if the difference information is a negative number, the fee acquisition unit 135 acquires the purchased electricity fee using the power shortage amount, which is the absolute value of the difference information, and the purchased electricity information. For each of two or more pieces of investment information and for each of two or more unit times in the usage period, if the difference information is a positive number, the fee acquisition unit 135 acquires the sold electricity fee using the difference information, which is the surplus electricity amount, and the sold electricity information. The unit time here is, for example, one hour or one day, but is not limited to this.

[0060] Preferably, the fee acquisition unit 135 uses the unit price prediction information to acquire the future unit price of electricity when purchasing electricity, and acquires the electricity purchase fee using the electricity unit price and the amount of electricity shortage, when the difference information is a negative number for each of two or more pieces of investment information and for each of two or more unit times in the usage period. If the difference information is a positive number for each of two or more pieces of investment information and for each of two or more unit times in the usage period, the fee acquisition unit 135 may use the unit price prediction information to acquire the future unit price of electricity when selling electricity, and acquire the electricity selling fee using the electricity unit price and the amount of electricity surplus.

[0061] The initial investment amount acquisition unit 136 acquires the initial investment amount when the number of solar panels to be installed is installed for each of two or more pieces of investment information. The initial investment amount acquisition unit 136 normally acquires the initial investment amount according to the number of panels to be installed. For example, the initial investment amount acquisition unit 136 multiplies the price of one solar panel stored in the solar panel information in the storage unit 11 by the number of panels to be installed to acquire the initial investment amount. When a storage battery is used, the initial investment amount acquisition unit 136 adds the price of the storage battery to acquire the initial investment amount. The price of each of the one or more storage batteries is stored in the storage unit 11.

[0062] The total amount acquisition unit 137 acquires the total amount of expenses for a predetermined usage period for each of two or more pieces of investment information using the purchased electricity rates for each of two or more unit times in the usage period, the sold electricity rates for each of two or more unit times in the usage period, and the initial investment amount. The usage period is the period for which the total amount is simulated. The usage period is, for example, 10 years, 15 years, or 20 years.

[0063] It is preferable that the total amount acquiring unit 137 acquires the total amount of the cost for each of the two or more usage periods.

[0064] It is preferable that the total amount acquisition unit 137 acquires the total amount of costs for each use period for each of one or more candidate storage batteries.

[0065] The output acquisition unit 138 acquires output information based on the total cost for the usage period for each of two or more pieces of investment information.

[0066] The output acquisition unit 138 preferably acquires output information that indicates the total amount for each of two or more usage periods and for each of two or more pieces of investment information in a manner that allows comparison. The output information that is indicated in a manner that allows comparison is, for example, a graph for each of two or more usage periods and for each of two or more pieces of investment information. Such a graph is, for example, a two-dimensional graph having an axis representing system capacity or number of installed cards and an axis representing total payment amount.

[0067] The output unit 14 outputs the output information acquired by the output acquisition unit 138. Here, output means, for example, transmission to the terminal device 2, but also includes a concept of displaying on a display, projecting using a projector, printing on a printer, storing on a recording medium, and transferring the processing results to another processing device, another program, etc.

[0068] Various types of information are stored in the terminal storage unit 21 included in the terminal device 2. The various types of information include, for example, user demand information.

[0069] The terminal reception unit 22 receives various types of information, instructions, etc. The various types of information, instructions, etc. are, for example, a start instruction. The means for inputting the various types of information, instructions, etc. may be any means, such as a touch panel, keyboard, mouse, or menu screen.

[0070] The terminal processing unit 23 performs various types of processing. For example, the various types of processing are processing to convert received information, instructions, etc. into information, instructions, etc. with a structure to be transmitted. For example, the various types of processing are processing to convert received information into information with a structure to be output.

[0071] The terminal transmitting unit 24 transmits various information, instructions, etc. to the simulation device 1. The various information, instructions, etc. are, for example, demand amount information and start instructions.

[0072] The terminal receiving unit 25 receives various types of information from the simulation device 1. The various types of information are, for example, output information.

[0073] The terminal output unit 26 outputs various types of information, such as output information.

[0074] The storage unit 11, price management unit 111, power generation amount management unit 112, demand amount management unit 113, charge amount management unit 114, and terminal storage unit 21 are preferably non-volatile recording media, but can also be realized as volatile recording media.

[0075] There is no restriction on the process by which information is stored in the storage unit 11 etc. For example, information may be stored in the storage unit 11 etc. via a recording medium, information transmitted via a communication line etc. may be stored in the storage unit 11 etc., or information input via an input device may be stored in the storage unit 11 etc.

[0076] The reception unit 12 is preferably realized by a wireless or wired communication means, but may also be realized by a means for receiving broadcasts, a device driver for an input means such as a touch panel or keyboard, or control software for a menu screen.

[0077] The processing unit 13, investment acquisition unit 131, power generation amount acquisition unit 132, demand amount acquisition unit 133, difference acquisition unit 134, fee acquisition unit 135, initial investment amount acquisition unit 136, total amount acquisition unit 137, output acquisition unit 138, initial difference acquisition means 1341, charge amount acquisition means 1342, discharge application means 1343, and terminal processing unit 23 can usually be realized by a processor, memory, etc. The processing procedures of the processing unit 13, etc. are usually realized by software, and the software is recorded on a recording medium such as a ROM. However, they may also be realized by hardware (dedicated circuit). The processor may be a CPU, MPU, GPU, etc., and the type does not matter.

[0078] The output unit 14 is preferably realized by a wireless or wired communication means, but may also be realized by driver software for an output device such as a display or speaker, or by a combination of driver software for an output device and the output device.

[0079] The terminal reception unit 22 can be realized by a device driver for an input means such as a touch panel or a keyboard, or control software for a menu screen.

[0080] The terminal transmitting unit 24 is usually realized by a wireless or wired communication means, but may also be realized by a broadcasting means.

[0081] The terminal receiving unit 25 is usually realized by a wireless or wired communication means, but may also be realized by a means for receiving broadcasts.

[0082] The terminal output unit 26 may or may not be considered to include an output device such as a display, a speaker, etc. The terminal output unit 26 may be realized by driver software for an output device, or a combination of driver software for an output device and the output device, etc.

[0083] Next, an example of the operation of the simulation device 1 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0084] (Step S301) The reception unit 12 determines whether or not a start instruction has been received. If a start instruction has been received, the process proceeds to step S302, and if a start instruction has not been received, the process returns to step S301.

[0085] (Step S302) The demand quantity acquisition unit 133 acquires a demand quantity set included in the start instruction, or acquires a demand quantity set corresponding to the start instruction from the demand quantity management unit 113.

[0086] (Step S303) The processing unit 13 assigns 1 to the counter i.

[0087] (Step S304) The processing unit 13 determines whether or not a candidate for the i-th storage battery exists. If a candidate for the i-th storage battery exists, the process proceeds to step S305, and if not, the process proceeds to step S322. The candidate storage batteries are predetermined, and are, for example, four types: "no storage battery," "100 kWh," "150 kWh," and "200 kWh," but any other type is acceptable.

[0088] (Step S305) The processing unit 13 assigns 1 to the counter j.

[0089] (Step S306) The processing unit 13 determines whether or not a candidate for the jth usage period exists. If a candidate for the jth usage period exists, the process proceeds to step S307; if not, the process proceeds to step S321. The candidates for the usage period are predetermined, and are, for example, three options: "10 years," "15 years," and "20 years," but any option is acceptable.

[0090] (Step S307) The processing unit 13 assigns 1 to a counter k.

[0091] (Step S308) Processing unit 13 determines whether or not a candidate for the kth number of panels exists. If a candidate for the kth number of panels exists, the process proceeds to step S309; ​​if not, the process proceeds to step S320. The candidate number of panels is predetermined and ranges, for example, from "1" to "n" (n is a natural number equal to or greater than 2), but is not restrictive. Each candidate number of panels corresponds to a candidate system capacity.

[0092] (Step S309) The investment acquisition unit 131 acquires investment information (for example, here, system capacity (kWh)) based on the candidate for the kth number of panels.) The investment acquisition unit 131 acquires the investment information using the calculation formula "system capacity = kth number of panels × system capacity of one panel."

[0093] (Step S310) The initial investment amount acquisition unit 136 acquires the initial investment amount when the number of solar panels indicated by the installation number is installed. The initial investment amount acquisition unit 136 acquires the initial investment amount, for example, using the calculation formula "cost of the solar panels for the number of panels to be installed + price of the storage battery." Note that if no storage battery is used, the price of the storage battery is 0.

[0094] (Step S311) The processing unit 13 assigns 1 to the counter l.

[0095] (Step S312) The processing unit 13 determines whether the lth unit time exists within the jth usage period. If the lth unit time exists, the process proceeds to step S313; if not, the process proceeds to step S318. Note that the nth unit time and the (n+1)th unit time are consecutive in time.

[0096] (Step S313) The processing unit 13 acquires time zone information that identifies the time zone of the l-th unit time. The time zone information is, for example, "December 20th, 12:00 to 13:00."

[0097] (Step S314) The power generation amount obtaining unit 132 obtains the amount of power generated in the time period indicated by the time period information when the kth number of panels is used, by using the power generation amount information from the power generation amount management unit 112. The power generation amount obtaining unit 132 reads out the amount of power generated from the power generation amount management unit 112, for example.

[0098] (Step S315) The demand acquisition unit 133 acquires the demand for the time period specified by the time period information from the demand set.

[0099] (Step S316) The difference acquisition unit 134 acquires difference information for the time period specified by the time period information. An example of such difference acquisition processing will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0100] (Step S317) The processing unit 13 increments the counter 1 by 1. The process returns to step S312.

[0101] (Step S318) The total amount acquisition unit 137 acquires the total amount when the kth number of panels is installed during the jth usage period, which is the condition for the ith storage battery. An example of this total amount acquisition process will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

[0102] (Step S319) The processing unit 13 increments the counter k by 1. The process returns to step S308.

[0103] (Step S320) The processing unit 13 increments the counter j by 1. The process returns to step S306.

[0104] (Step S321) The processing unit 13 increments the counter i by 1. The process returns to step S304.

[0105] (Step S322) The output acquisition unit 138 acquires the output information. An example of such output acquisition processing will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0106] (Step S323) The output unit 14 outputs the output information acquired in step S322. The process returns to step S301.

[0107] In the flowchart of FIG. 3, the process ends when the power is turned off or an interrupt occurs to end the process.

[0108] Next, an example of the difference acquisition process in step S316 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

[0109] (Step S401) The initial difference acquisition means 1341 calculates difference information by "difference information=power generation amount-demand amount".

[0110] (Step S402) The difference acquisition unit 134 determines whether or not a storage battery is to be used. If a storage battery is to be used, the process proceeds to step S403, and if not, the process returns to the upper level process.

[0111] (Step S403) The difference acquisition unit 134 determines whether the difference information acquired in step S401 is greater than 0. If the difference information is greater than 0, the process proceeds to step S404, and if the difference information is equal to or less than 0, the process proceeds to step S406.

[0112] (Step S404) The charge amount obtaining means 1342 adds the difference information to the variable "charge amount." Note that the initial value of the variable "charge amount" is "0."

[0113] (Step S405) The difference acquisition unit 134 sets the difference information to "0". The process returns to the upper level processing. Note that here, when adding the difference information to the variable "charge amount", if the value of the variable "charge amount" exceeds the maximum capacity of the storage battery, the difference acquisition unit 134 sets the value of the variable "charge amount" to the maximum capacity of the storage battery, subtracts the value added as "charge amount" from the difference information, and acquires new difference information.

[0114] (Step S406) The difference acquisition unit 134 determines whether the difference information acquired in step S401 is less than 0. If the difference information is less than 0, the process proceeds to step S407, and if the difference information is not less than 0, the process returns to the upper level process.

[0115] (Step S407) The discharge application means 1343 determines whether the value of the variable "charge amount" is greater than 0. If it is greater than 0, the process proceeds to step S408, and if it is 0 or less, the process returns to the upper process.

[0116] (Step S408) The discharge application means 1343 determines whether the absolute value of the difference information is equal to or less than the "charge amount." If the absolute value of the difference information is equal to or less than the "charge amount," the process proceeds to step S409, and if the absolute value of the difference information is greater than the "charge amount," the process proceeds to step S411.

[0117] (Step S409) The discharge application means 1343 sets the difference information to "0".

[0118] (Step S410) The discharge application means 1343 adds the difference information (negative value) to the "charge amount." Then, the process returns to the upper level process.

[0119] (Step S411) The discharge application means 1343 adds the "charge amount" to the difference information.

[0120] (Step S412) The discharge application means 1343 sets the "charge amount" to "0." The process returns to the upper level process.

[0121] In the flowchart of FIG. 4, it is preferable to calculate the amount of stored electricity taking into consideration loss caused by charging and discharging the storage battery.

[0122] In addition, in the flowchart of FIG. 4, when the upper limit of the charge amount of the storage battery is exceeded, it is preferable to treat the excess amount of electricity as being sold.

[0123] Next, an example of the total amount acquisition process in step S318 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

[0124] (Step S501) The total amount obtaining unit 137 assigns 1 to a counter i.

[0125] (Step S502) The total amount obtaining unit 137 determines whether or not the i-th unit time exists. If the i-th unit time exists, the process proceeds to step S503, and if not, the process proceeds to step S513.

[0126] (Step S503) The total amount obtaining unit 137 obtains difference information paired with the i-th unit time.

[0127] (Step S504) The total amount obtaining unit 137 determines whether the difference information obtained in step S503 is less than 0. If the difference information is less than 0, the process proceeds to step S505, and if the difference information is not less than 0, the process proceeds to step S508.

[0128] (Step S505) The total amount obtaining unit 137 obtains information on purchased power in the i-th unit time.

[0129] (Step S506) The total amount obtaining unit 137 multiplies the absolute value of the difference information obtained in step S503 by the purchased power information obtained in step S505, and obtains the purchased power fee for the i-th unit time.

[0130] (Step S507) The total amount obtaining unit 137 adds the purchased electricity fee obtained in step S506 to the variable "total purchased electricity fee". The process proceeds to step S512. The initial value of the variable "total purchased electricity fee" is 0.

[0131] (Step S508) The total amount obtaining unit 137 determines whether the difference information obtained in step S503 is greater than 0. If the difference information is greater than 0, the process proceeds to step S509, and if the difference information is 0, the process proceeds to step S512.

[0132] (Step S509) The total amount obtaining unit 137 obtains the power selling information for the i-th unit time.

[0133] (Step S510) The total amount obtaining unit 137 multiplies the difference information obtained in step S503 by the power sale information obtained in step S509 to obtain the power sale price for the i-th unit time.

[0134] (Step S511) The total amount obtaining unit 137 adds the electricity price to be sold obtained in step S510 to the variable "total electricity price to be sold." The initial value of the variable "total electricity price to be sold" is zero.

[0135] (Step S512) The total amount obtaining unit 137 increments the counter i by 1. The process returns to step S502.

[0136] (Step S513) The total amount obtaining unit 137 obtains the initial investment amount.

[0137] (Step S514) The total amount obtaining unit 137 obtains the total amount using the formula "Total amount = Initial investment amount + Total purchased electricity fee - Total sold electricity fee." The process returns to the upper level process.

[0138] Next, an example of the output acquisition process in step S322 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

[0139] (Step S601) The output acquisition unit 138 assigns 1 to a counter i.

[0140] (Step S602) The output acquisition unit 138 determines whether or not a candidate for the i-th storage battery exists. If a candidate for the i-th storage battery exists, the process returns to the upper level processing if not. The candidate storage batteries are predetermined, and are, for example, four types: "no storage battery," "100 kWh," "150 kWh," and "200 kWh," but any other type is acceptable.

[0141] (Step S603) The output acquisition unit 138 assigns 1 to a counter j.

[0142] (Step S604) The output acquisition unit 138 determines whether or not the j-th usage period exists. If the j-th usage period exists, the process proceeds to step S605, and if not, the process proceeds to step S608.

[0143] (Step S605) The output acquisition unit 138 creates a graph for the i-th storage battery candidate, with the investment information corresponding to the j-th usage period and the total amount as axes. Note that the graph may be, for example, a line graph, but is not limited to this.

[0144] (Step S606) The output acquisition unit 138 arranges the graph acquired in step S605 in a frame of a graph with the investment information and total amount as axes.

[0145] (Step S607) The output acquisition unit 138 increments the counter j by 1. The process returns to step S604.

[0146] (Step S608) The output acquisition unit 138 increments the counter i by 1. The process returns to step S602.

[0147] A specific example of the operation of the simulation device 1 according to this embodiment will be described below.

[0148] Now, let us assume that the storage unit 11 of the simulation device 1 stores the solar panel information "<Price> PC <System Capacity> SC (kWh)". The price "PC" is the cost per solar panel. The system capacity "SC" is the system capacity (kWh) per solar panel.

[0149] The price management unit 111 stores the unit price of purchased electricity (yen / kWh) "B1" and the unit price of sold electricity "S1". The price management unit 111 stores the rate of increase in the unit price of purchased electricity "U1". The price management unit 111 stores the price of the first candidate storage battery 1 "SB1" and the price of the second candidate storage battery 2 "SB2".

[0150] The power purchase price is an example of power purchase information related to the cost of purchasing electricity. The current power purchase price "B1" is the unit price of electricity when purchasing from the grid (electric power company). The power purchase price "B1" is, for example, a unit price obtained from the electric power company's rate plan. The increase rate is an example of unit price prediction information. The increase rate "U1" is, for example, the inflation rate (for example, "0.02" (2%)) over a unit period (for example, one year). The power sales price "S1" is the unit price of electricity when sold to the grid. The power sales price "S1" is, for example, a unit price obtained from the electric power company's rate plan.

[0151] The power generation amount management unit 112 stores, for example, the amount of power generation (kWh) per panel for each hour of each day of the 365 days of the year. This amount of power generation (kWh) can be calculated using known technology (for example, "i-Pals" (Internet URL "https: / / i-pals.nippon-control-system.co.jp / "). It is preferable that this calculation takes into account factors such as the amount of shading, the conversion efficiency of the power conditioner, and the aging of the panels. The amount of power generation (kWh) for each hour of the 365 days is calculated as follows: (power generation amount from midnight to 1:00 on January 1st, power generation amount from 1:00 to 2:00 on January 1st, . . ., power generation amount from midnight to 1:00 on January 2nd, . . ., power generation amount from 12:00 to 1:00 on December 31st, power generation amount from 1:00 to 2:00 on December 31st, . . ., power generation amount from 11:00 to 2:00 on December 31st) = (C 010101 ,C 010102 ,···,C 010201 ,···,C 123113 ,C 123114 ,···,C 123124 ) is assumed.

[0152] The demand amount management unit 113 stores the power consumption of facilities, etc. of one or more simulation target locations (locations where the photovoltaic power generation system is installed) in pairs with the target location identifier. The power consumption is assumed to be the demand (kWh) for each hour in 365 days. The power consumption is, for example, information obtained from a power company. The demand (kWh) for each hour in 365 days for target location "T1" is calculated as follows: (demand amount from midnight to 1:00 on January 1st, demand amount from 1:00 to 2:00 on January 1st,..., demand amount from midnight to 1:00 on January 2nd,..., demand amount from 12:00 to 1:00 on December 31st, demand amount from 13:00 to 14:00 on December 31st,..., demand amount from 23:00 to 24:00 on December 31st) = (D 010101 ,D 010102 ,···,D 010201 ,···,D 123113 ,D 123114 ,···,D 123124 ) is assumed.

[0153] The charge amount management unit 114 stores charge amount information for one or more storage batteries. The charge amount information for storage battery 1 is, for example, "<charge amount> CA1 <aging rate> AR1." The charge amount information for storage battery 2 is, for example, "<charge amount> CA2 <aging rate> AR2." The charge amounts "CA1" and "CA2" are the initial maximum charge amounts of each storage battery, which are "100 kWh" and "150 kWh" in this example. The aging rates "AR1" and "AR2" are the rate of decrease in the maximum charge amount of each storage battery in one year, which are, for example, "0.01" and "0.02."

[0154] In the above situation, it is assumed that a sales representative who is explaining to the target customer "T1" about appropriate investment in solar panels inputs a start instruction including the target customer identifier "T1" into the terminal device 2. The terminal device 2 accepts the start instruction and transmits the start instruction to the simulation device 1.

[0155] Next, the reception unit 12 of the simulation device 1 receives the start instruction including the target identifier "T1".

[0156] Next, the demand acquisition unit 133 acquires a demand set (D 010101 ,D 010102 ,···,D 010201 ,···,D 123113 ,D 123114 ,···,D 123124 ) is acquired from the demand amount management unit 113.

[0157] Next, the processing unit 13 obtains the total amount to be paid by the target party for each of the storage battery candidates "No storage battery," "Storage battery 1," and "Storage battery 2," for each of the potential usage periods of "10 years," "15 years," and "20 years," and for each of the potential number of panels (potential total system capacity), as follows:

[0158] That is, the investment acquisition unit 131 acquires the prices of the storage batteries "0", "SB1", and "SB2" corresponding to the storage battery candidates "No Storage Battery", "Storage Battery 1", and "Storage Battery 2", respectively, for each storage battery candidate.

[0159] Furthermore, the investment acquisition unit 131 acquires the system capacity (kWh) "K×SC" based on a candidate number of panels (for example, K panels).

[0160] Furthermore, the initial investment amount acquiring unit 136 acquires the initial investment amount "K x PC + price of storage battery" when the number of solar panels to be installed (for example, K panels) is installed.

[0161] In addition, the power generation amount acquisition unit 132 multiplies the power generation amount information, which is the power generation amount (kWh) per hour over 365 days, from the power generation amount management unit 112 by K to acquire the power generation amount for each time period for each hour over 365 days when K number of solar panels are used.

[0162] The demand acquisition unit 133 also calculates the demand for each time period for every hour of 365 days as a demand set (D 010101 ,D 010102 ,···,D 010201 ,···,D 123113 ,D 123114 ,···,D 123124 ) to get it.

[0163] Next, the difference acquisition unit 134 acquires difference information for each time period using the demand and power generation amount for each hourly time period over 365 days, for each candidate storage battery, each candidate usage period of "10 years," "15 years," or "20 years," and each candidate number of panels, by the process described using the flowchart in Figure 4.

[0164] Next, the total cost acquisition unit 137 acquires the total cost of installing the relevant number of panels (K panels) for each candidate storage battery, each candidate usage period of "10 years," "15 years," or "20 years," and each candidate number of panels by the process described using the flowchart in FIG. 5, and stores the total cost in association with the candidate storage battery, the candidate usage period, and the candidate number of panels. The set of stored total costs is shown in FIG. 7. In FIG. 7, a total cost management table for managing the total cost exists for each candidate storage battery. In FIG. 7, when using storage battery 1 (charge amount = 100 kWh) and the usage period is "10 years," the total cost when using one panel is "x 11" and the total cost when using n panels is "x 1n "

[0165] Next, the output acquisition unit 138 acquires output information. The output information is, for example, a graph for each candidate storage battery. Here, the horizontal axis of the graph represents the system capacity corresponding to the number of panels, and the vertical axis represents the total cost. Furthermore, the graph is a line graph for each candidate usage period. An example of such output is shown in FIG. 8. FIG. 8 shows the case where no storage battery is used. In FIG. 8, 801 is a graph for a usage period of "10 years," 802 is a graph for a usage period of "15 years," and 803 is a graph for a usage period of "20 years." According to FIG. 8, the sales representative believes that a usage period of "20 years" is appropriate, and proposes the installation of solar panels with a system capacity of "132.84 (kWh) = 5 panels," as shown in 804.

[0166] As described above, according to this embodiment, it is possible to support the introduction of a photovoltaic power generation system of an appropriate scale. More specifically, according to this embodiment, it is possible to propose an appropriate system capacity or an appropriate number of panels, taking into consideration the total amount of payment to be made by the target party introducing the photovoltaic power generation system.

[0167] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to support the introduction of a photovoltaic power generation system of an appropriate scale, taking into consideration the introduction of a storage battery.

[0168] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to support the introduction of a photovoltaic power generation system of an appropriate scale in consideration of the deterioration of the storage battery over time.

[0169] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to support the introduction of a photovoltaic power generation system of an appropriate scale in consideration of fluctuations in the unit price of electricity.

[0170] The processing in this embodiment may be realized by software. This software may be distributed by software download or the like. This software may also be recorded on a recording medium such as a CD-ROM and distributed. This also applies to the other embodiments in this specification. The software that realizes the simulation device 1 in this embodiment is the following program. In other words, this program includes a computer that can access a price management unit that stores power purchase information related to the cost of purchasing power and power sales information related to the cost of selling power, an investment acquisition unit that acquires two or more pieces of investment information based on the number of solar panels installed, a power generation acquisition unit that acquires, for each of the two or more pieces of investment information, the amount of power generated for each of two or more unit hours included in a 24-hour usage period when the number of solar panels indicated by the number of panels installed is installed, a demand acquisition unit that acquires the amount of power demand for each of the two or more unit hours in the usage period, a difference acquisition unit that acquires difference information that is the difference between the amount of power generated and the amount of demand for each of the two or more pieces of investment information and for each of the two or more unit hours in the usage period, and a calculation unit that calculates ... and an initial investment amount acquisition unit that acquires the initial investment amount when the number of solar panels indicated by the number of panels to be installed is installed for each of the two or more pieces of investment information; a total amount acquisition unit that acquires the total amount of expenses for a specified usage period using the purchased electricity fee for each of the two or more unit hours in the usage period, the sold electricity fee for each of the two or more unit hours in the usage period, and the initial investment amount for each of the two or more pieces of investment information; an output acquisition unit that acquires output information based on the total amount of expenses for the usage period for each of the two or more pieces of investment information; and an output unit that outputs the output information.

[0171] 9 shows the appearance of a computer that executes the programs described herein to realize the simulation device 1 and the like of the various embodiments described above. The above-described embodiments can be realized by computer hardware and a computer program executed thereon. FIG. 9 is an overview of this computer system 300, and FIG. 10 is a block diagram of the system 300.

[0172] In FIG. 9, computer system 300 includes computer 301 including a CD-ROM drive, keyboard 302, mouse 303, and monitor 304.

[0173] 10, computer 301 includes, in addition to CD-ROM drive 3012, MPU 3013, bus 3014 connected to CD-ROM drive 3012 etc., ROM 3015 for storing programs such as a boot-up program, RAM 3016 connected to MPU 3013 for temporarily storing instructions of application programs and providing temporary storage space, and hard disk 3017 for storing application programs, system programs, and data. Although not shown here, computer 301 may further include a network card for providing connection to a LAN.

[0174] A program that causes computer system 300 to execute the functions of simulation device 1 and the like of the above-described embodiment may be stored on CD-ROM 3101, inserted into CD-ROM drive 3012, and then transferred to hard disk 3017. Alternatively, the program may be transmitted to computer 301 via a network (not shown) and stored on hard disk 3017. The program is loaded into RAM 3016 when executed. The program may also be loaded directly from CD-ROM 3101 or the network.

[0175] The program does not necessarily include an operating system (OS) or a third-party program that causes the computer 301 to execute the functions of the simulation device 1 of the above-described embodiment. The program only needs to include instructions that call appropriate functions (modules) in a controlled manner and achieve desired results. How the computer system 300 operates is well known, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0176] The computer that executes the program may be a single computer or a plurality of computers, that is, it may perform centralized processing or distributed processing.

[0177] Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, it goes without saying that two or more communication means present in one device may be physically realized by one medium.

[0178] Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, each process may be realized by centralized processing in a single device, or may be realized by distributed processing in a plurality of devices.

[0179] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible, and it goes without saying that these modifications are also included within the scope of the present invention. [Industrial Applicability]

[0180] As described above, the simulation device 1 according to the present invention has the effect of being able to support the introduction of a photovoltaic power generation system of an appropriate scale, and is useful as a server or the like that proposes a photovoltaic power generation system of an appropriate scale. [Explanation of symbols]

[0181] A. Information Systems 1 Simulation device 2. Terminal Device 11 Storage area 12 Reception 13 Processing section 14 Output section 21 Terminal storage section 22 Terminal Reception 23 Terminal processing section 24 Terminal transmitter 25 Terminal receiving section 26 Terminal Output Unit 111 Price Control Department 112 Power Generation Management Department 113 Demand Management Department 114 Charge amount management department 131 Investment Acquisition Department 132 Power generation amount acquisition unit 133 Demand acquisition unit 134 Difference acquisition part 135 Fee Acquisition Department 136 Initial investment amount acquisition department 137 Total Acquisition Department 138 Output Acquisition Unit 1341 Initial difference acquisition means 1342 Charge amount acquisition means 1343 Electric discharge application means

Claims

1. a computer that can access a price management unit that stores purchased power information related to the cost of purchasing power and sold power information related to the cost of selling power; an investment acquisition unit that acquires two or more pieces of investment information based on the number of installed solar panels; an energy generation amount acquiring unit that acquires, for each of the two or more pieces of investment information, an energy generation amount for each of two or more unit times included in 24 hours during a usage period when the number of solar panels indicated by the number of installations is installed; a demand amount acquisition unit that acquires the demand amount of power for each of the two or more unit times during the usage period; a difference acquisition unit that acquires difference information, which is a difference between the amount of power generation and the amount of demand, for each of the two or more pieces of investment information and for each of the two or more unit times in the utilization period; a fee acquisition unit that acquires a purchased electricity fee using the power shortage amount, which is the absolute value of the difference information, and the purchased electricity information when the difference information is a negative number for each of the two or more pieces of investment information and for each of the two or more unit times in the usage period, and acquires a sold electricity fee using the power surplus amount, which is the difference information, and the sold electricity information when the difference information is a positive number; an initial investment amount acquisition unit that acquires, for each of the two or more pieces of investment information, an initial investment amount when the number of solar panels indicated by the installation number is installed; a total amount acquisition unit that acquires, for each of the two or more pieces of investment information, a total amount of expenses for a predetermined usage period using the purchased electricity price for each of the two or more unit times in the usage period, the sold electricity price for each of the two or more unit times in the usage period, and the initial investment amount; an output acquisition unit that acquires output information based on the total amount of expenses for the use period for each of the two or more pieces of investment information; A program for causing the output unit to function as an output unit that outputs the output information.

2. The total amount acquisition unit For each of the two or more usage periods, obtain the total amount of costs for each usage period; The output acquisition unit The program of claim 1, for causing the computer to function as obtaining output information that clearly shows the total amount for each of the two or more usage periods and each of the two or more investment information in a comparable manner.

3. 3. The program according to claim 1 or 2, which is capable of accessing a charge amount management unit in which charge amount information relating to the charge amount of the storage battery is stored, The difference acquisition unit an initial difference acquisition means for acquiring difference information, which is the difference between the amount of power generation and the amount of demand, for each of the two or more pieces of investment information and for each of the two or more unit times in the utilization period; a charge amount acquiring means for acquiring a charge amount using the charge amount information when the difference information acquired by the initial difference acquiring means is a positive number for each of the two or more pieces of investment information and for each of the two or more unit times in the usage period; A program as described in claim 1 or claim 2 for causing the computer to function as comprising a discharge application means for applying the charge amount to one or more unit times corresponding to when the difference information acquired by the initial difference acquisition means is a negative number for each of the two or more pieces of investment information, and acquiring the difference information.

4. the charge amount information includes information specifying a change in the capacity of the storage battery over time, The charge amount acquisition means 4. The program according to claim 3, for causing the computer to function as a device for acquiring a charge amount using the charge amount information that specifies a change in the capacity of a storage battery over time.

5. The solar panel further includes a power generation amount management unit that stores power generation amount information that specifies changes in the power generation amount of the solar panel over time. The power generation amount acquisition unit A program as described in claim 1, for causing the computer to function as if it were to use the power generation information to obtain, for each of the two or more pieces of investment information, the amount of power generated for each of two or more unit hours included in a 24-hour usage period when the number of solar panels indicated by the number of panels installed is installed.

6. The price management unit includes: Stores unit price forecast information regarding predictions of future electricity unit prices, The fee acquisition unit The program described in claim 1 causes the computer to function as follows: for each of the two or more investment information and for each of the two or more unit times in the usage period, if the difference information is a negative number, the unit price prediction information is used to obtain the future unit price of electricity when purchasing electricity, and the purchased electricity fee is obtained using the unit price of electricity and the amount of electricity shortage, and if the difference information is a positive number, the surplus electricity amount and the sold electricity information are used to obtain the sold electricity fee.

7. a price management unit that stores purchased power information related to the cost of purchasing power and sold power information related to the cost of selling power; an investment acquisition unit that acquires two or more pieces of investment information based on the number of installed solar panels; an energy generation amount acquiring unit that acquires, for each of the two or more pieces of investment information, an energy generation amount for each of two or more unit times included in 24 hours during a usage period when the number of solar panels indicated by the number of installations is installed; a demand amount acquisition unit that acquires the demand amount of power for each of the two or more unit times during the usage period; a difference acquisition unit that acquires difference information, which is a difference between the amount of power generation and the amount of demand, for each of the two or more pieces of investment information and for each of the two or more unit times in the utilization period; a fee acquisition unit that acquires a purchased electricity fee using the power shortage amount, which is the absolute value of the difference information, and the purchased electricity information when the difference information is a negative number for each of the two or more pieces of investment information and for each of the two or more unit times in the usage period, and acquires a sold electricity fee using the power surplus amount, which is the difference information, and the sold electricity information when the difference information is a positive number; an initial investment amount acquisition unit that acquires, for each of the two or more pieces of investment information, an initial investment amount when the number of solar panels indicated by the installation number is installed; a total amount acquisition unit that acquires, for each of the two or more pieces of investment information, a total amount of expenses for a predetermined usage period using the purchased electricity price for each of the two or more unit times in the usage period, the sold electricity price for each of the two or more unit times in the usage period, and the initial investment amount; an output acquisition unit that acquires output information based on the total amount of expenses for the use period for each of the two or more pieces of investment information; and an output unit that outputs the output information.

8. A simulation method that can be realized by a simulation device that has access to a price management unit that stores purchased power information related to costs when purchasing power and sold power information related to costs when selling power, and that includes an investment acquisition unit, a power generation amount acquisition unit, a demand amount acquisition unit, a difference acquisition unit, a fee acquisition unit, an initial investment amount acquisition unit, a total amount acquisition unit, an output acquisition unit, and an output unit, an investment acquisition step in which the investment acquisition unit acquires two or more pieces of investment information based on the number of installed solar panels; an energy generation amount acquisition step in which the energy generation amount acquisition unit acquires, for each of the two or more pieces of investment information, the energy generation amount for each of two or more unit times included in 24 hours in a usage period when the number of solar panels indicated by the number of installations is installed; a demand amount acquisition step in which the demand amount acquisition unit acquires the demand amount of electricity for each of the two or more unit times during the usage period; a difference acquisition step in which the difference acquisition unit acquires difference information, which is a difference between the amount of power generation and the amount of demand, for each of the two or more pieces of investment information and for each of the two or more unit times in the utilization period; a fee acquisition step in which the fee acquisition unit acquires a purchased electricity fee using the power shortage amount, which is the absolute value of the difference information, and the purchased electricity information for each of the two or more pieces of investment information and for each of the two or more unit times in the usage period if the difference information is a negative number, and acquires a sold electricity fee using the power surplus amount, which is the difference information, and the sold electricity information if the difference information is a positive number; an initial investment amount acquisition step in which the initial investment amount acquisition unit acquires an initial investment amount when the number of solar panels indicated by the installation number is installed for each of the two or more pieces of investment information; a total amount acquisition step in which the total amount acquisition unit acquires, for each of the two or more pieces of investment information, a total amount of expenses for a predetermined usage period using the purchased electricity price for each of the two or more unit times in the usage period, the sold electricity price for each of the two or more unit times in the usage period, and the initial investment amount; an output acquisition step in which the output acquisition unit acquires output information based on the total amount of expenses for the use period for each of the two or more pieces of investment information; an output step in which the output unit outputs the output information.

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