Economic analysis and impact on national grid by domestic photovoltaic system installations in Pakistan. (June 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Shabbir, Noman; Usman, Muhammad; Jawad, Muhammad; Zafar, Muhammad H.; Iqbal, Muhammad N.; Kütt, Lauri
• Is Part Of: Renewable energy. Volume 153(2020)
• Page Start: 509
• Page End: 521
• Publication Date: 2020-06
• Subjects: PV systems -- Energy crisis -- Optimal tilt angle -- Economic analysis -- Net metering -- Payback time; PV NEPRA -- GHI DNI -- RE SM -- DM NM -- LESCO PKR -- Marla (1 Marla = 25.3 m2) Kanal (1 Kanal = 505.857 m2); Renewable energy sources -- Periodicals; Power resources -- Periodicals; Énergies renouvelables -- Périodiques; Ressources énergétiques -- Périodiques; 333.794
• DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2020.01.114
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0960-1481

Abstract

Abstract: Pakistan is facing an increasing energy crisis with every passing year due to a growing population and increased industrial zones. Moreover, the energy cost is very high as it is mostly generated from conventional energy sources. Conversely, Pakistan has excellent potential for solar power generation as it lies near the equator. Due to the recent decrease in solar Photovoltaic (PV) costs, Pakistan is moving towards these solutions for both on-grid and off-grid systems. Therefore, this article focuses on the solar irradiance behavior and computation of the PV panel's optimum angle for maximum energy harvesting in Pakistan. Moreover, the domestic economic analysis of rooftop solar PV systems is conducted based on investment cost, payback period, electricity bills reduction, and optimal metering scheme selection. Furthermore, the impact of domestic PV systems on the power grid is evaluated based on a reduction in the electrical load. This study has the potential to encourage consumers to gain monetary benefits from the investments in domestic PV systems by selling excess energy to the local distribution company. All simulations are performed in sol-metric sun-eye software. These simulations results are more versatile and meaningful under the ground conditions and actualities of Pakistan. Highlights: Feasibility of domestic rooftop PV in terms of area and capacity in Lahore, Pakistan is evaluated. The computed optimal tilt angle for fixed PV panels throughout the year is 58°. Payback period with different metering schemes is computed between 6 and 16 years. Net metering integration and its impact as average electricity cost reduction is calculated. Short and long-term impact of distributed PV systems on national grid is evaluated.