Investigation of Potential of Solar Photovoltaic System as an Alternative Electric Supply on the Tropical Island of Mantanani Sabah Malaysia

Abstract

This article reports on the potential use of a photovoltaic solar system on Mantanani Island. This island has its attractions in terms of flora and fauna as well as the uniqueness of its local community. The electricity supply status of the island is minimal, and the local electricity provider only provides two units of electrical generator that only supply energy from 18:00 to 06:00. This study is motivated by the hypothesis that if the target resident can obtain a better electricity supply, they can generate higher income and improve their standard of living. This study aims to identify the status of solar energy sources, estimate the basic electrical load, and conduct a techno-economic analysis of homestay enterprises of residents. Geostationary satellite data on solar energy resources were gathered and analyzed using Solargis. The electricity load was calculated based on the daily routine activities of the residents and usage of primary electrical appliances. Techno-economic analysis was done by determining the key parameters to calculate the return on investment and payback period. The results showed that Mantanani Island had great potential for implementing a photovoltaic system, by the estimated value of the total annual solar energy and peak sun hour of 1.447 MWh/m2/y and 4.05 h, respectively. The variation in total monthly solar energy was minimal, with a range of only 61.3 Wh/m2. The calculated electrical load was 7.454 kWh/d. The technoeconomic assessment showed that the return on investment was MYR 3600 per year. However, the value of the payback period varies according to the value of the cost of capital spent. Regarding the cost of capital of this study, the shortest and longest payback periods achievable were 2.78 and 13.89 years, respectively. This calculation is in line with a photovoltaic system with a capacity of 2.2 kWp.

Feasibility study on electricity generation in Kg. Sabur Pulau Banggi Malaysia from wind energy using HOMER software

“…Type 1 electrical system release minimum amount of pollutant gases in a year compared to other three types of electrical systems since it comprises of solar PV and wind turbine as the power source. A combination of wind-solar system can decrease the greenhouse gas emission of 11% according to previous study result [8]. This system is mainly dominant by the renewable energy power resources to generate power and it is having a lower reliance on the generator.…”

“…Sabur consists of 24 units of 5 kW solar PV, 51 units of 10 kW wind turbines, a generator with 140 kW, 51 units of 12 V battery and a converter with 59.4 kW. Another study that is conducted in 2021 also proven that solar-wind system could supply energy up till 40% to 60% [8].…”

Survey on solar photovoltaic (PV) technology utilization at residential area at Kampar, Perak

“…The main reasons for choosing solar energy are its accessibility and ease of upkeep, despite having a relatively high initial cost in comparison to other energy sources. For the system to be installed to be able to satisfy the needs and function at its best [2]. Malaysia, which is in the Asia and Pacific region, experiences clear, hot, and humid weather the majority of the time and has a great deal of potential for implementing PV solar technology [34].…”

“…This is because RE technology needs time to develop because installation costs are originally high and because it needs government support in the form of incentives. When the moment is right, new RE technology can be accepted as "energy justice," enabling the achievement of Goal 7 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) [1,2]. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to identify the difficulties consumers have when incorporating solar power into new projects and to propose recommendations to integrate rooftop solar PV in the construction of all the new projects.…”

Prediction Model for the Performance of Different PV Modules Using Artificial Neural Networks

“…The output power from this system is measured by the peak kilowatt, which indicates the amount of electrical power delivered when the sun is at its highest point [1]. With the number of advantages of the PV system, many different applications have started to depend on it, such as solar systems in homes, pumps, PV and thermal collector systems, and building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems [2][3][4][5][6]. PV performance is influenced by environmental factors such as wind, temperature, dust pollution, and installation factors such as the tilt angle and area [1,7,8].…”