Cost Analysis of Proposed Solar Photovoltaic Systems Performance for Engineering Faculty, University of Port Harcourt

Abstract

In Nigeria, grid connected solar based system are not common as most connections are stand-alone This work analyze costing of proposed solar photovoltaic systems performance for Faculty of Engineering (FOE), University of Port Harcourt. With unit cost of grid power at ₦48.35/kWh based on MYTO sets for a 10-year tariff path with biannual minor reviews for Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHEDC), it is expected that FOE spends ₦5,894,541.9 annually on electricity consumption when the supply is fully dependent on PHEDC.it is worthy to note that the generation source is fossil fuel which is harmful to the ecosystem. If however solar photovoltaic source as an alternative means of power generation is used at a unit cost of electricity production from proposed PV plant at the rate of ₦75/kWh, simple payback time is 7 years and 4 months and performance ratio is 81.8%. The proposed PV plant is expected to meet power requirement of FOE efficiently and reliably. Within life span of 25 years, 907.666 tons of carbon that would have wreaked havoc to the environment would have been saved. Various losses were also considered and calculated accordingly. Effect of weather condition on the overall performance was also discussed. The proposed PV plant is viable and will address the lingering energy crisis in the faculty. Contribution/ Originality:This study contributes to existing literature by analyzing costing of proposed solar photovoltaic systems performance for Faculty of Engineering (FOE), University of Port Harcourt. INTRODUCTIONData about Nigeria solar energy capacity and projects is lacking. As a result of this, assessing solar integration status is quite difficult. In recent study by Ohunakin, et al. [1] solar integration is classified into grid-tie and standalone system. The study reveals that grid-connected solar system does not exist in Nigeria, and that most of the solar systems are stand-alone application. Ozoegwu, et al. [2] indicates that, regarding solar energy application and projects in Nigeria, there is no comprehensive data to rely on, and that data from various websites are difficult to harmonize. Hence, the only source of information to rely on is Nigerian Electricity Regulation Commission (NERC). According to the solar integration projects endorsed by NERC, 364 MW capacity of solar projects would have been completed between 2015 and 2030 at various geographical locations of Nigeria. Table 1 shows proposed Nigeria Solar Energy Projects Details as at 2014.

Development of an Optimal Poly-1-Order (OP-1) Model for Approximating Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Power Generation

“…Education institutions can embrace this technology to facilitate a wholesome and environmentally friendly learning atmosphere. The cost-effective adoption of the OP-1 can help achieve this goal [19]. W1ith solar PV power generation, UNIPORT's hostel may cater to its energy requirements while promoting sustainability.…”