A comprehensive analysis on the grid-tied solar photovoltaics for clean energy mix and supply in Nigeria’s on-grid power

Abstract

Nigeria’s power infrastructure is dominated by polluting grid-connected fossil-based power systems. The Nation currently suffers from an acute electricity shortage, making nearly 40% of on-grid customers receive unreliable and inconsistent power below their demand. Solar resources are widespread in the country at considerably good potential than in many European nations. Nevertheless, Nigeria's solar photovoltaic (PV) installation capacity could be better. This paper presents the techno-economic, environmental and risk analysis of a grid-connected 10 kW, 100 kW, and 1 MW PV system for three customer segments in Abuja, Nigeria. It is found that a 1 MW grid-tied PV system is very viable at an electricity export rate not below 0.01 USD/kWh and a total initial cost (TIC) of not more than 2000 $/kW for fixed axis system and 2600 USD/kWh or lower for the two-axis system. The 10 kW and 100 kW PV systems are only financially viable with fiscal incentives. However, they become profitable with a minimum feed-in tariff of about 0.294, 0.297, 0.223 and 0.214 USD/kWh for the fixed 10 kW, 2-axis 10 kW, fixed 100 kW and two-axis 100 kW systems, respectively.