A Feasibility Study of the Use of Solar Photovoltaic Energy in Saudi Arabia: A Case Study Assessment in a Factory in Zulfi City

2018 ◽  
Vol 140 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yosry A. Azzam ◽  
Nagwa Ibrahim
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Feasibility Study ◽  
Net Present Value ◽  
Economic Benefits ◽  
Economic Feasibility ◽  
Discounted Cash Flow ◽  
Pv System ◽  
Levelized Cost Of Electricity

Few studies have been implemented to evaluate whether the renewable energy generation could fit into industrial locations in Saudi Arabia. We completed this feasibility study to investigate whether using photovoltaic (PV) solar arrays to power industrial cities at Saudi Arabia is economically feasible. The case study is a factory in Zulfi city, Riyadh Region. We used National Renewable Energy Laboratory's modeling tool, system advisor model (SAM) to evaluate the economic benefits of using a 150 kW DC PV system to cover 100% of the factory monthly power demand. Over 25 years, the system is estimated to generate about 6,000,000 kWh of electricity whose net savings are $398,000 (1 US$ is equal to about 3.75 Saudi Riyals) represented by a discounted cash flow. The proposed system will save the factory around $304,000 that would have to be paid in electric bills and will eliminate considerable amount of CO2 emissions. Sensitivity analysis has been conducted to determine the effects of underlying parameters on the economic feasibility of the proposed system. Levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) generated and net present value (NPV) are used as indicators of proposed system feasibility. The results indicate that these projects can be profitable under some certain assumptions and can potentially be generalized for all industrial locations in Saudi Arabia.

scholarly journals Techno-Economic Feasibility Assessment of Grid-Connected PV Systems for Residential Buildings in Saudi Arabia—A Case Study

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 262 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amir A. Imam ◽  
Yusuf A. Al-Turki ◽  
Sreerama Kumar R.
Keyword(s):  
Power Generation ◽  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Net Present Value ◽  
Economic Feasibility ◽  
Performance Ratio ◽  
Present Value ◽  
Pv System ◽  
Levelized Cost ◽  
Cost Of Energy

This paper presents a techno-economic feasibility evaluation for a grid-connected photovoltaic energy conversion system on the rooftop of a typical residential building in Jeddah, one of the major cities in Saudi Arabia. In Saudi Arabia, electric energy consumption is the highest in the domestic sector, with 48.1% of the total electricity consumption. As the power generation in Saudi Arabia mainly relies on conventional resources, environmental pollution and energy sustainability are major concerns. To minimize these issues, the Saudi government is in the process of maximizing the utilization of renewable energy resources for power generation. Investing in solar energy in Saudi Arabia is important because the country is witnessing a rapid increase in load demand, with annual growth rates of 6%. In this paper, the system advisor model software for renewable energy modeling has been utilized to perform a techno-economic feasibility analysis of a residential grid-connected solar photovoltaic (PV) system, which is proposed for a typical apartment in Saudi Arabia, on the basis of various key performance indicators, namely: yield factor, capacity factor, performance ratio, levelized cost of energy, net present value, internal rate of return, and payback period. A sensitivity analysis that investigates the impact of varying techno-economic parameters on system performance and feasibility is also discussed. The size of the PV system for a typical Saudi Arabian apartment is estimated to be 12.25 kW. Results have shown that the proposed system can generate 87% of the electricity needs of an apartment. The technical analysis showed that the capacity factor and the performance ratio were 22% and 78% respectively. The levelized cost of energy and net present value revealed competitive figures of 0.0382 $/kWh and $4378, respectively. The investigations indicate that residential PV installations are an effective option for energy management in the country.

scholarly journals State-of-Charge Effects on Standalone Solar-Storage Systems in Hot Climates: A Case Study in Saudi Arabia

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (12) ◽  
pp. 3471 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elshurafa ◽  
Aldubyan
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Temperature Effects ◽  
Net Present Value ◽  
Economic Benefits ◽  
State Of Charge ◽  
Environmental Implications ◽  
Battery System ◽  
Charge Effects ◽  
The Ideal

In this paper, we quantify the economic and environmental implications of operating a standalone photovoltaic-battery system (PVB) while varying the battery’s minimum allowable state of charge (MSOC), the load profile, and simultaneously incorporating ambient temperature effects in hot climates. To that end, Saudi Arabia has been chosen for this case study. Over a project lifetime of 25 years, we find that, contrary to the widely accepted norm of 50% being a reasonable MSOC, a lower MSOC can bestow economic benefits. For example, a MSOC of 20% results in a lower number of batteries required throughout the lifetime of the project—while still meeting demand. For a village of 1000 homes, this translates to a saving of $47 million in net present value. Further, incorporating temperature effects results in deducing more realistic costs that are 125% higher than the ideal scenario (i.e., when temperature is not modeled). This difference stems from underestimating the actual number of batteries needed throughout the project lifetime. Compared to a diesel-powered microgrid, and for a village of 1000 homes, a PVB would, on an annual basis, avoid emitting 5000 tons of carbon and avoid burning 2 million liters of diesel.

Techno‐economic feasibility study on electric vehicle and renewable energy integration: A case study

2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (6) ◽  
Author(s):  
Annelys Machado Schetinger ◽  
Daniel Henrique Nogueira Dias ◽  
Bruno Soares Moreira César Borba ◽  
Gardenio Diogo Pimentel da Silva
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Electric Vehicle ◽  
Feasibility Study ◽  
Economic Feasibility ◽  
Energy Integration ◽  
Renewable Energy Integration

scholarly journals Techno-Economic Comparative Analysis of Renewable Energy Systems: Case Study in Zimbabwe

Inventions ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 27 ◽  
Author(s):  
Loiy Al-Ghussain ◽  
Remember Samu ◽  
Onur Taylan ◽  
Murat Fahrioglu
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Hybrid System ◽  
Energy Security ◽  
Energy Systems ◽  
Economic Feasibility ◽  
Energy Resources ◽  
Renewable Energy Resources ◽  
Levelized Cost Of Electricity ◽  
Renewable Energy Systems

Fluctuations in fossil fuel prices significantly affect the economies of countries, especially oil-importing countries, hence these countries are thoroughly investigating the increase in the utilization of renewable energy resources as it is abundant and locally available in all the countries despite challenges. Renewable energy systems (RES) such as solar and wind systems offer suitable alternatives for fossil fuels and could ensure the energy security of countries in a feasible way. Zimbabwe is one of the African countries that import a significant portion of its energy needs which endanger the energy security of the country. Several studies in the literature discussed the feasibility of different standalone and hybrid RES either with or without energy storage systems to either maximize the technical feasibility or the economic feasibility; however, none of the studies considered maximizing both feasibilities at the same time. Therefore, we present a techno-economic comparison of standalone wind and solar photovoltaic (PV) in addition to hybrid PV/wind systems based on maximizing the RES fraction with levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) being less than or equal to the local grid tariff where Gwanda, Zimbabwe, is the case study. The methodology suggested in this study could increase the utilization of renewable energy resources feasibly and at the same time increase the energy security of the country by decreasing dependency on imported energy. The results indicate that the PV/wind hybrid system does not only have the best economic benefits represented by the net present value (NPV) and the payback period (PBP), but also the best technical performance; where the maximum feasible size of the hybrid system-2 MW wind and 1 MW PV-has RES fraction of 65.07%, LCOE of 0.1 USD/kWh, PBP of 3.94 years, internal rate of return of 14.04% and NPV of 3.06 × 106 USD. Having similar systems for different cities in Zimbabwe will decrease the energy bill significantly and contribute toward the energy security of the country.

scholarly journals Economic Feasibility of Agrivoltaic Systems in Food-Energy Nexus Context: Modelling and a Case Study in Niger

Agronomy ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (10) ◽  
pp. 1906
Author(s):  
Srijana Neupane Bhandari ◽  
Sabine Schlüter ◽  
Wilhelm Kuckshinrichs ◽  
Holger Schlör ◽  
Rabani Adamou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Net Present Value ◽  
Irrigation System ◽  
Economic Benefits ◽  
Economic Feasibility ◽  
Economic Indicators ◽  
Farm Size ◽  
Cost Ratio ◽  
Analysis Model ◽  
Context Modelling

In the literature, many studies outline the advantages of agrivoltaic (APV) systems from different viewpoints: optimized land use, productivity gain in both the energy and water sector, economic benefits, etc. A holistic analysis of an APV system is needed to understand its full advantages. For this purpose, a case study farm size of 0.15 ha has been chosen as a reference farm at a village in Niger, West Africa. Altogether four farming cases are considered. They are traditional rain-fed, irrigated with diesel-powered pumps, irrigated with solar pumps, and the APV system. The APV system is further analyzed under two scenarios: benefits to investors and combined benefits to investors and farmers. An economic feasibility analysis model is developed. Different economic indicators are used to present the results: gross margin, farm profit, benefit-cost ratio, and net present value (NPV). All the economic indicators obtained for the solar-powered irrigation system were positive, whereas all those for the diesel-powered system were negative. Additionally, the diesel system will emit annually about 4005 kg CO2 to irrigate the chosen reference farm. The land equivalent ratio (LER) was obtained at 1.33 and 1.13 for two cases of shading-induced yield loss excluded and included, respectively.

scholarly journals Method for Sizing of a PV System for Family Home Using Economic Indicators

Energies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (15) ◽  
pp. 4529
Author(s):  
Zvonimir Šimić ◽  
Danijel Topić ◽  
Ilija Crnogorac ◽  
Goran Knežević
Keyword(s):  
Input Data ◽  
Net Present Value ◽  
Market Price ◽  
System Size ◽  
Electricity Price ◽  
Economic Indicators ◽  
Solar Irradiation ◽  
Pv System ◽  
Output Data ◽  
Levelized Cost Of Electricity

This paper presents a method for finding an optimal photovoltaic (PV) system according to Croatian legislation. The PV sizing model, in which a decision on investment is made according to economic indicators, is made using MATLAB Software. Based on the input data, the monthly PV system production is calculated, and electricity price formed. According to the PV system production and electricity price, economic indicators are calculated and obtained as output data. The model input data are solar irradiation, load diagram, PV system costs and market price of electricity while the model output data are PV system production, savings, profit, incomes, Net Present Value (NPV) and Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE). The obtained economic indicators are presented graphically and used for decision making on an optimal PV system size. The presented model is applied and presented in a case study.

scholarly journals Techno-economic feasibility analysis of a 3-kW PV system installation in Nepal

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ramhari Poudyal ◽  
Pavel Loskot ◽  
Ranjan Parajuli
Keyword(s):  
Net Present Value ◽  
Meteorological Data ◽  
Electric Energy ◽  
Simulation Software ◽  
Economic Feasibility ◽  
Performance Ratio ◽  
Energy Output ◽  
Solar Pv ◽  
Economic Returns ◽  
Pv System

AbstractThis study investigates the techno-economic feasibility of installing a 3-kilowatt-peak (kWp) photovoltaic (PV) system in Kathmandu, Nepal. The study also analyses the importance of scaling up the share of solar energy to contribute to the country's overall energy generation mix. The technical viability of the designed PV system is assessed using PVsyst and Meteonorm simulation software. The performance indicators adopted in our study are the electric energy output, performance ratio, and the economic returns including the levelised cost and the net present value of energy production. The key parameters used in simulations are site-specific meteorological data, solar irradiance, PV capacity factor, and the price of electricity. The achieved PV system efficiency and the performance ratio are 17% and 84%, respectively. The demand–supply gap has been estimated assuming the load profile of a typical household in Kathmandu under the enhanced use of electric appliances. Our results show that the 3-kWp PV system can generate 100% of electricity consumed by a typical residential household in Kathmandu. The calculated levelised cost of energy for the PV system considered is 0.06 $/kWh, and the corresponding rate of investment is 87%. The payback period is estimated to be 8.6 years. The installation of the designed solar PV system could save 10.33 tons of CO2 emission over its lifetime. Overall, the PV systems with 3 kWp capacity appear to be a viable solution to secure a sufficient amount of electricity for most households in Kathmandu city.

scholarly journals Optimal Configuration and Sizing of Seaport Microgrids including Renewable Energy and Cold Ironing—The Port of Aalborg Case Study

Energies ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 431
Author(s):  
Nur Najihah Abu Bakar ◽  
Josep M. Guerrero ◽  
Juan C. Vasquez ◽  
Najmeh Bazmohammadi ◽  
Muzaidi Othman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Renewable Energy Sources ◽  
Storage System ◽  
Maximum Load ◽  
Optimal Operation ◽  
Economic Feasibility ◽  
Photovoltaic System ◽  
Design Stage ◽  
Component Size

Microgrids are among the promising green transition technologies that will provide enormous benefits to the seaports to manage major concerns over energy crises, environmental challenges, and economic issues. However, creating a good design for the seaport microgrid is a challenging task, considering different objectives, constraints, and uncertainties involved. To ensure the optimal operation of the system, determining the right microgrid configuration and component size at minimum cost is a vital decision at the design stage. This paper aims to design a hybrid system for a seaport microgrid with optimally sized components. The selected case study is the Port of Aalborg, Denmark. The proposed grid-connected structure consists of renewable energy sources (photovoltaic system and wind turbines), an energy storage system, and cold ironing facilities. The seaport architecture is then optimized by utilizing HOMER to meet the maximum load demand by considering important parameters such as solar global horizontal irradiance, temperature, and wind resources. Finally, the best configuration is analyzed in terms of economic feasibility, energy reliability, and environmental impacts.

scholarly journals The Effect of Implementing a Feed-in Tariff in Abu Dhabi UAE

2016 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 38
Author(s):  
Daisuke Sasaki ◽  
Gun Matsuo ◽  
Sameh El Khatib ◽  
Mikiyasu Nakayama
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Energy Security ◽  
Economic Benefits ◽  
Abu Dhabi ◽  
Levelized Cost Of Electricity ◽  
Cost Of Electricity ◽  
The World ◽  
Total Turnover ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Feed In Tariff

Although most countries in the world have been trying to introduce renewable energy into their power supplies to address issues related to the environment and energy security, the Middle East has the lowest overall renewable energy capacity in the world. However, there is currently a trend of accelerating renewable energy deployment with increased investment in the region for the purposes of improving energy security and independence and promoting long-term social and economic benefits. This study aims to examine the impact of implementing a feed-in tariff (FiT) in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. After a simulated test, it was found that the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) and the current average unit cost of electricity were considerably divergent. That is to say, a large extra cost is incurred in order to deploy renewable energy in Abu Dhabi. In this context, the effectiveness of implementing a FiT in Abu Dhabi is confirmed. Furthermore, an estimation of the size of the renewable energy surcharge indicated that the impact of implementing a FiT would be enormous. For example, if the target rate of deploying renewable energy is set at 7%, a renewable energy surcharge equivalent to approximately one third of the total turnover of the electricity sector should be additionally imposed. It follows that the electricity rate will be raised by about thirty percent on average, unless subsidies are provided by the government.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document