Electrification of Africa through CPV installations in small-scale industrial applications: Energetic, economic, and environmental analysis

Abstract

This paper aims to evaluate the energetic, economic, and environmental performances of small-scale concentrated photovoltaics (CPV) power systems under 107 African climatic and financial zones with different energy mixes. The proposed concept focuses on small-scale installations for small- or medium-scale industrial premises as such devices are involved in the international strategy about micro-grids. Yearly average electric productions, capacity factors, economic and environmental considerations, and sensitivity were all analysed. The mathematical methodology for calculating the power of a concentrated triple-junction solar cell, the annual energy conversion of a CPV plant, the costs, and the CO2 mitigation were assessed.The parametric study shows that the capacity factor becomes highest for a cell area of 5.5 cm2 or if the concentration ratio reaches the value of 2400. Furthermore, LCOE is lowest for Errachidia in Morocco with 15.88 c$/kWh followed by Fada in Chad with 16.82 c$/kWh, while it is highest in Wad Hajm in Sudan as 5.23 × 1016 c$/kWh. Moreover, South Africa allows the highest reduction of indirect CO2 emissions. Furthermore, energy produced is greatest in Errachidia in Morocco (606.27 GWh), Tiaret in Tunisia (601.11 GWh), and Upington in South Africa (598.11 GWh). Results are shown on innovative GIS maps of Africa.