Assessing the viability of a grid-connected PV power plant in Mubi, Adamawa State, Nigeria

Abstract

This paper is based on a techno-economic analysis and the environmental impact of a proposed 1 MW solar photovoltaic (PV) power plant at the main campus of the Federal Polytechnic Mubi (FPM) in north-eastern Nigeria. A photovoltaic power plant converts solar radiation into electricity that can be used as a source of electrical power to meet the daily energy requirements of homes, equipment, and all tertiary institutions. RETScreen Expert software was used to evaluate the techno-economic and environmental sustainability of installing a grid-connected PV power plant. The research results revealed that with an annual solar radiation of 5.74 kWh/m2/day, the maximum annual energy production was estimated to be 1,550.98 MWh. It was discovered that the maximum energy production in March was 146.89 MWh. The project’s profitability and economic sustainability were determined with a good internal rate of return (IRR) of 11.9% and a positive net present value (NPV) of $681,164. The proposed PV power plant has a simple payback period of 11.4 years. The maximum greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction is 670.9 tCO2, equivalent to 61.7 ha of forest-absorbing carbon emissions.

Performance Assessment of Four Grid-Connected Solar Photovoltaic Technologies under Similar Environmental Conditions in Nigeria

“…Although grid-connected PV performance may be analyzed with simulation software, assessing the existing PV systems using performance criteria is the most appropriate method to identify solar PV power generation potential in specific locations [22][23][24][25]. Numerous researchers have analyzed performance regarding system losses, deterioration, and other parameters influencing the PVs in various climatic and geographic areas [26][27][28][29][30]. Dobaria et al investigated a 5.05 kWp grid-connected PV system in western India over three years.…”