Yield assessment of Off-grid PV systems in Nigeria

Abstract

Off-grid PV systems are providing critical access to energy services for millions of people throughout the globe. However, optimum sizing of these PV systems still poses a challenge, as inadequate system sizing could result in low system reliability and/or high cost of electricity generated. This paper presents a hybrid method of sizing off-grid PV systems for undefined electricity consumption. It then compares this sizing with off-grid PV systems installed in Nigeria - ranked the most populous electricity-deficit country in the world. The yields of the installed off-grid PV systems are also simulated for four major cities in Nigeria. Results show that for the over 1.5MWp of off-grid PV systems installed in the country, there is a potential 1.11 - 3.04 MWh of unutilised surplus electricity, which can supply 2hours of green electricity to at least 2, 000 Tier-2 households during peak demand in the dry hot season. Thus, our hybrid model provides design and operational insight to off-grid PV system optimization.