Off-Grid Solar PV Power Generation System in Sindh, Pakistan: A Techno-Economic Feasibility Analysis

Abstract

The off-grid solar photovoltaic (PV) system is a significant step towards electrification in the remote rural regions, and it is the most convenient and easy to install technology. However, the strategic problem is in identifying the potential of solar energy and the economic viability in particular regions. This study, therefore, addresses this problem by evaluating the solar energy potential and economic viability for the remote rural regions of the Sindh province, Pakistan. The results recommended that the rural regions of Sindh have suitable solar irradiance to generate electricity. An appropriate tilt angle has been computed for the selected rural regions, which significantly enhances the generation capacity of solar energy. Moreover, economic viability has been undertaken in this study and it was revealed that the off-grid solar PV power generation system provides electricity at the cost of Pakistani Rupees (PKR) 6.87/kWh and is regarded as much cheaper than conventional energy sources, i.e., around PKR 20.79/kWh. Besides, the off-grid solar PV power generation system could mitigate maximum CO2 annually on the condition that all of the selected remote rural regions adopt the off-grid solar PV system. Therefore, this study shall help the government to utilize the off-grid solar PV power generation system in the remote rural regions of Pakistan.

Economic Viability and Environmental Efficiency Analysis of Hydrogen Production Processes for the Decarbonization of Energy Systems

“…However, this option is not viable in remote areas with lack of access to reliable electricity. In addition, even though the process of electrolysis is itself clean, however, the process of grid electrolysis contributes greenhouse gas emissions because most of the grid electricity in Pakistan is produced from fossil fuels [48].…”

“…The process enables the better use of indigenous renewable energy sources. Wind electrolysis, due to being a green method, can help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while integrating a larger share of clean energy into the electric grid [48]. For a larger penetration of renewable energy, wind electrolysis for hydrogen production must be cost competitive.…”

An Investigation on the Effect of the Total Efficiency of Water and Air Used Together as a Working Fluid in the Photovoltaic Thermal Systems

“…The specific heat (C p ) and density of the mixture were selected as nearly 0.885 kcal/kg • C (3699.3 j/kg • C) and nearly 1050 kg/m 3 respectively by means of Duffie and Beckman's study [23]. The PV module, load or demand, battery storage, controller and DC-AC inverter are part of a normal solar PV system [24]. In the present study, six accumulators were used for the electrical energy storage while 2 accumulators were connected to each PV module.…”

“…The performance of a PV generator changed the load, decreased with increased solar irradiance and increased temperature [25].The open-circuit voltage and short circuit current of each module were measured by means of an electrical command box. Such a way of measuring is more precise to determine the PV electrical production capacity because the production of electrical energy affects The PV module, load or demand, battery storage, controller and DC-AC inverter are part of a normal solar PV system [24]. In the present study, six accumulators were used for the electrical energy storage while 2 accumulators were connected to each PV module.…”

The Role of Single End-Users and Producers on GHG Mitigation in Pakistan—A Case Study

“…To mitigate the electricity sector's 57.6507 Mt of CO 2 equivalent GHG emissions in Pakistan, literature has either focused on megawatt PV plants; 10 MW PV plant [27] or entire regions/provinces of Pakistan; Sindh [28], Punjab [29] and Balouchistan [30]. This study's novelty lies in the aspect that the impact of single end energy user in GHG mitigation is somehow neglected/ignored.…”