Optimization of Grid-connected Pv Systems: Balancing Economics and Environmental Sustainability

Abstract

The increasing harmful gas emissions from industries and institutions pose a significant risk of extreme global warming and climate change, while unreliable power remains a major challenge in Nigeria requiring urgent attention. To address these issues, this study presents a cost-effective and optimized design for a grid-connected PV system at the Department of Electrical Engineering, Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, Kaduna, Nigeria. Utilizing HOMER for optimization, the research examines three distinct optimization scenarios, each offering different insights into energy management approaches. The First scenario was designed consisting only grid, relying solely on grid connectivity, with high annual costs and vulnerability to price volatility and environmental degradation, particularly from coal power plants, resulting in an annual energy cost of $2,838 with no renewable energy contribution. The second scenario was designed consisting of grid and solar PV energy sources integrated resulting in lower grid dependence and improved cost-effectiveness though not fully optimized by dint of economic and ecological issues at play, with the annual energy cost being $2,714 with 1867KW h supplied by the solar PV system. With initial higher capital expenditures offset by lower energy purchasing costs and surplus energy sales, this third scenario option turns out to be economically advantageous in the long run. With 29684KW provided by solar PV and $521 sold back to the grid, the yearly energy cost comes to $1,043. The system is expected to recover the initial installation cost in two years, saving about $20,000 over the course of the system's 20-year lifespan. These findings support solar PV domination as a viable way to handle energy concerns in the examined setting and highlight the importance of taking economic and environmental factors into account when designing energy systems.