Sizing and analysis of a standalone photovoltaics system for a three-bedroom residence in Nigeria

Abstract

<span>The intermittency of electricity supply from conventional sources, increase in fuel prices and constant emission of greenhouse gases by non-renewable energy sources are major challenges faced by energy users. Energy from reneweable sources have advantages over the traditional (non-renewable) sources of energy. This paper presents the sizing and analysis of a standalone photovoltaic (PV) system for a 3-bedroom residence situated at Obollo-Nsukka (6.876°N, 7.403°E, 389 m) in Nigeria. The energy requirements of such a residence are 8.14 kWh/day and analysis have shown that the cost of constructing the PV system is ₦2,838,040 Nigeria naira (NGN). The cost of maintaining such a system within a lifetime of 20 years is between 159,328 NGN/year to 1,895,918 NGN/year. Comparing the levelized cost of energy (LCOE) of enugu electricity distribution company (EEDC) which is 66.5 NGN/kWh to the LCOE of the standalone PV system which is between 102,124 NGN/kWh to 419 NGN/kWh it was found out that the cost of electricity from the PV system is more than that of the conventional grid. <br /> The PV system provides feasible solution to the intermittency issues of the conventional grid in Nigeria. Hence, this technology only technically viable for residential electrification purposes in Nigeria.</span>